In recent years it has become clear that the space in between the stars, contains a remarkable amount of highly diverse molecules, ranging from simple diatomics to large complex species.... Show moreIn recent years it has become clear that the space in between the stars, contains a remarkable amount of highly diverse molecules, ranging from simple diatomics to large complex species. Astronomical observations and dedicated laboratory experiments show that icy dust grains play a prominent role in the chemical enrichment of matter in space. Exotic solid state reactions taking place for temperatures as low as -260 degree merge small abundant species to larger and larger compounds until species are formed that are considered to be of relevance for life; sugars, fats and precursors of amino acids. Ultimately this material is embedded in matter from which stars and planets form. So, could it be possible, that the ingredients for life form everywhere, in space, following very similar chemical pathways? In this thesis a dedicated laboratory study is described that studies exactly these processes. With a new experimental setup the physical and chemical processes are characterized that are needed to interpret and guide astronomical observations and that yield parameters needed as input in astrochemical models. It is concluded that the chemical complexity in the solid state reaches out much further than assumed so far. Show less
This thesis is devoted to the study of regular and deuterated water in ices and on surfaces against an interstellar background. A large network for the formation of regular water has been studied... Show moreThis thesis is devoted to the study of regular and deuterated water in ices and on surfaces against an interstellar background. A large network for the formation of regular water has been studied with the use of a Kinetic Monte Carlo model. A specific reaction has been investigated as well: H2 + O -> OH + H. Furthermore, in the light of deuterium fractionation, a thermal study on deuteron scrambling in the ice has been performed: H2O + D2O -> 2 HDO. Finally, two low-temperature routes relevant to HDO formation have been investigated: H2O + OD -> OH + HDO and D2O + OH -> OD + HDO. Show less