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On Developing an Electrochemistry-Based Geochemical Framework in Planetary Minerals Using in-situ Electrical Spectroscopy
  • Keith Chin,
  • Laurie Barge,
  • Scott Perl
Keith Chin
Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Laurie Barge
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
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Scott Perl
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
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Abstract

NASA’s future missions will focus on looking for evidence of life under extreme environments, such as cold arid planets (Mars) and icy moons (Eurpoa). There is particular interest in studying localized geo-chemical systems that host gradients with the potential for harboring evidence of past or present life. Such gradient-driven systems include, for example, layering of minerals of varying oxidation states in the Martian subsurface or in Earth’s seafloor sediments; chemical precipitates separating fluids of different pH or Eh such as in a hydrothermal vent; or radiation-induced oxidant production in planetary ices. A challenge is that these simulated precipitates are redox sensitive and evolve over a relatively short lifetime (1-4 hrs) necessitating viable in-situ, non-destructive analytical techniques. Promising techniques for such studies are electrochemical methods, which are particularly suited for characterizing interfaces and chem-ical gradients. Combined with recent advances in electrochemical instrument technologies, new methods have been developed toward integrating portable, electrochemical systems for ex-situ and/or in-situ chemical characterization. JPL has already made significant progress in developing these new technologies, particularly electro-chemical impedance spectroscopies (EIS) for in-situ characterization of geochemical materials (i.e., soils ice mineralogy, and brines) and even life detection sensoring. Currently, we are exploring further appli-cations of electrical spectroscopy techniques in developing an electrochemistry-based framework using planetary analog systems based on MRO/CRISM and Cassini/INMS observations in attempts to distin-guish abiotic vs biotic environments, and with active and inactive containing organics from electrical properties characterization. We will highlight some of our group’s successes and preliminary results of geochemical experimentation using various electrochemical techniques.