Decomposition of binary sulphate KHSO₄ at high pressure

Abstract

Pressure induced decomposition (PID) is known to occur only at elevated temperatures. Here we report its first occurrence at ambient temperature in a binary sulphate, KHSO₄ at 4kbar. Raman spectroscopy is used for identifying the decomposition products as K₃H(SO_{2 4}) and H₂SO₄ from their characteristic spectra. One of the decomposition products being a liquid is argued to be the reason for the occurrence of the phenomenon at ambient temperature. Other possible decomposition routes are also examined.

Key Words:

• High pressure
• phase transitions
• Raman spectroscopy
• decomposition
• geochemistry