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
e-mail [log in to unmask]
Fax:  44 (01908) 655 910
Tel:  44 (01908) 653 558
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