Planetary scientists have identified layers of graphene formed alongside complex minerals in lunar regolith samples collected by China's Chang'e-5 probe, a discovery that provides new insight into the origins of the Moon and supports the hypothesis that it contains carbon.
Structural and compositional characteristics of few-layer graphene in lunar soil samples from Chang'e-5. Image courtesy of Zhang others., doi: 10.1093/nsr/nwae211.
“Graphene's novel physical phenomena and extraordinary properties have revolutionized research in condensed matter physics and materials science,” said Professor Zhang Wei of Jilin University and his colleagues.
“It plays an increasingly important role in a wide range of fields, including planetary and space sciences.”
“It is estimated that about 1.9% of all interstellar carbon exists in the form of graphene, and protosolar graphene has been identified in carbonaceous chondrite meteorites.”
The researchers analyzed an olive-shaped lunar soil sample measuring about 2.9 millimeters by 1.6 millimeters, collected by the Chang'e-5 mission in 2020.
Using a specialised spectrometer, they discovered iron compounds in the carbon-rich parts of the sample that are closely related to the formation of graphene.
The researchers then used advanced microscopy and mapping techniques to determine that the carbon content within their samples was made up of “flakes” of two to seven layers of graphene.
The scientists propose that few layers of graphene could have formed during volcanic activity in the Moon's early existence, catalysed by solar wind stirring up the lunar soil and iron-containing minerals, prompting a change in the structure of carbon atoms.
Meteorite impacts creating high temperature and pressure environments may also have led to the formation of graphene.
“The first study to confirm the presence of native few-layer graphene in lunar soil samples by examining its microstructure and composition,” the authors said.
“Our discovery provides new insight into the origin of the Moon and supports the hypothesis that the Moon contains carbon.”
“Moreover, graphene's unusual properties depend strongly on its structure and environment.”
“Further investigation of the properties of natural graphene could provide more information about the geological evolution of the Moon.”
“Consequently, the formation of natural graphene by mineral catalysis sheds light on the development of low-cost, scalable synthesis techniques for high-quality graphene.”
“This will therefore propel a new lunar exploration program forward, with some exciting breakthroughs in the future.”
of Investigation result Published in the journal National Science Review.
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Zhang Wei othersNatural few-layer graphene discovered on the moon. National Science ReviewPublished online June 17, 2024; doi: 10.1093/nsr/nwae211
Source: www.sci.news
