A mechanism for the production of hydrogen peroxide and the hydroperoxyl radical on icy satellites by low-energy electrons

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is one of the minor constituents of the water ice covered surfaces of the jovian satellites Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. Here we demonstrate that H2O2 production may be initiated by the dissociative electron attachment (DEA) of low-energy electrons (LEEs) to water molecules. Electronic excitation or ionization by electrons also contributes to H2O2 formation at higher electron energies. Finally, we show that hydroperoxyl (HO2) radicals could be formed on the surfaces of icy satellites by LEE impact.