The evolution of star-forming regions
and their thermal balance
are strongly influenced by their chemical composition, which, in turn,
is determined by the physicochemical processes that govern the transition
between the gas phase and the solid state, specifically icy dust grains
(e.g., particle adsorption and desorption). Gas–grain and grain–gas
transitions as well as formation and sublimation of interstellar ices
are thus essential elements of understanding astrophysical observations
of cold environments (e.g., prestellar cores) where unexpected amounts
of a large variety of chemical species have been observed in the gas
phase. Adsorbed atoms and molecules also undergo chemical reactions
that are not efficient in the gas phase. Therefore, the parametrization
of the physical properties of atoms and molecules interacting with
dust grain particles is clearly a key aspect to interpret astronomical
observations and to build realistic and predictive astrochemical models.
In this consensus evaluation, we focus on parameters controlling the
thermal desorption of ices and how these determine pathways toward
molecular complexity and define the location of snowlines, which ultimately
influence the planet formation process. We review different crucial
aspects of desorption parameters both from a theoretical and experimental
points of view. We critically assess the desorption parameters (the
binding energies, E
b, and the pre-exponential
factor, ν) commonly used in the astrochemical community for
astrophysically relevant species and provide tables with recommended
values. The aim of these tables is to provide a coherent set of critically
assessed desorption parameters for common use in future work. In addition,
we show that a nontrivial determination of the pre-exponential factor
ν using transition state theory can affect the binding energy
value. The primary focus is on pure ices, but we also discuss the
desorption behavior of mixed, that is, astronomically more realistic,
ices. This allows discussion of segregation effects. Finally, we conclude
this work by discussing the limitations of theoretical and experimental
approaches currently used to determine the desorption properties with
suggestions for future improvements.