Note: Experiments in hard x-ray chemistry: In situ production of molecular hydrogen and x-ray induced combustion

We have successfully loaded H₂ into a diamond anvil cell at high pressure using the synchrotron x-ray induced decomposition of NH₃BH₃. In a second set of studies, radiation-assisted release of O₂ from KCLO₃, H₂ release from NH₃BH₃, and reaction of these gases in a mixture of the reactants to form liquid water using x-rays at ambient conditions was observed. Similar observations were made using a KCLO₃ and NaBH₄ mixture. Depending on reaction conditions, an explosive or far slower reaction producing water was observed.