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How to Ionize Carbon

Carbon is an element that is a part of all living things, including all things that were once living, such as fossil fuels. More than 6.5 million compounds contain carbon. Carbon is neutrally charged, composed of six protons (positive) and six electrons (negative). An ion is an atom that has a positive or negative charge, meaning it has an additional proton or electron. Carbon can be ionized through electron or proton bombardment or through a strong electrical discharge (similar to electron bombardment, but on a larger scale).

Things You'll Need

Field ionization source (equipment/unit)
Pure carbon, diamond or coal
Ionization tester

Instructions

- 1
  
  A diamond is pure, non-ionized or neutrally charged, carbon.
  
  Prepare a field ionization unit for use. Attach electrodes to the carbon substance that you wish to ionize. A diamond is pure carbon, so you can use a small diamond to experiment with ionization. A field ionizer will not cause fragmentation to a solid. Coal, which is typically 60 to 80 percent carbon, can also be used as a cheap source of carbon.
- 2
  
  Ultraviolet rays will also ionize carbon.
  
  Attach electrodes from the field ionization unit to the carbon material that you are attempting to ionize. Ionization involves introducing a flow of electrons and is very similar to passing electricity through an object.
- 3
  Turn the field ionization source to the appropriate energy level for the ionization of carbon. The amount of energy needed to ionize carbon is less than that for ionizing hydrogen and water, as two examples, so consult with your guide and references in order to introduce the correct amount of energy.
- 4
  Test the ionized carbon with an ionization tester or test kit.

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