Dear isotopists,

Prof. C.T.PillingerUs lab have studied a methane isotopic composition in lunar
fines and interstellar diamond. This samples are fine powders and have a large
surface area. I found a huge terrestrial organic contamination which produce
methane during pyrolysis of samples with maximum release at 450-600 C. To
remove or reduce this contamination I have tried to heat samples in presence
of O2 (without any metal parts). I found that temperatures of methane release
is significantly reduced, but the amount of methane is similar. Could anyone
give me references about uncompleted vacuum oxidation of organic material,
carbon fractionation during that and destroying of organic molecules in
presence of oxygen.

Thank you for your help!
Sergey Assonov


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Dr S.S. Assonov
Planetary Sciences Research Institute
The Open University
Walton Hall, Milton Keynes,
MK7 6AA England
Fax:  44 (01908) 655 910
Tel:  44 (01908) 653 558
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