Effects of electrical discharges on the Mars´ atmosphere

The aim of this thesis was to study the effects of electric discharge on the atmosphere simu-lating conditions on Mars. This bachelor thesis is focused on simulation of Mars atmosphere at atmospheric pressure and normal laboratory temperature. Mars's atmosphere was more like Earth in the past. Mars is mostly composed of carbon dioxide, which accounts for more than 90% of Mars' atmosphere. To study the Mars atmosphere simulation, glow discharge generated in the reactor at atmospheric pressure was used at a CO2 flow (100 sccm) and dis-charge current of 20, 30 and 40 mA. A part of the measurements was focused on the influ-ence of hydrogen addition at different flow rates. The measurement time course with differ-ent measurement changes was also recorded. Reaction products were analysed using a pro-ton ion mass spectrometer and a flight time analyser. A high amount of aliphatic hydrocar-bons and their derivates, especially alcohols, was detected as well as several cyclic struc-tures. The main products identified in all experiments with a substantial concentration were molecules of ethen, ethane, ethanol, acetone, pentane, benzene and others