Submicrometer-Sized Vaterite Tubes Formed Through Nanobubble-Templated Crystal Growth Is there life on Mars? Andrew van Bommel February 14 th, 2006

Martian Encounter Worm-like shaped carbonate and carbonate-containing minerals found on Martian meteorites In the lab, mineralization has only been carried out with the intervention of organic molecules Organic = life on Mars?

The Conspiracy From UBC (United Bureau of Conspiracies)

The “Study” Electrochemical System: Potentiostat Silicon wafer working electrode (cathode) Solution of Ca 2+ and HCO 3 -

Results Vaterite nanotubes with: –OD = nm –ID = nm

Reactions at Cathode Either of these reactions occurs at the cathode: 2H + + 2e -  H 2 (g) ϕ = -1.2V 1/2O 2 (aq) + H 2 O + 2e -  2OH - ϕ = -0.9V The pH is increased near the cathode, causing local supersaturation and precipitation of calcium carbonate onto the cathode

Nanobubbles SEM images show hollow hemispheres and early-stage tube growth

Nanobubbles Small holes nm suggested that there were nanometer sized gas bubbles (H 2 ) existing on the cathode surface before the vaterite layer deposition

Supporting Evidence Adding H 2 O 2 to the solution altered the cathode reaction from reduction of H 2 O to reduction of H 2 O 2 (ϕ = -0.5V  -0.8V) –No bubbles at the cathode, no CaCO 3 tubes Hydrophobicity of the silicon surface decreased upon oxidation (nanobubbles have been reported to grow on hydrophobic surfaces) –No tube formation

BUT WAIT!!!!!! 3-electrode electrochemical systems and potentiostats have yet to be found on Mars (not to mention Martian life or robots to run the systems)

Therefore, Life on Mars Exists!