Scientists have found a distinctive type of graphene in lunar soil samples returned by China’s Chang’e 5 mission.

This graphene, composed of several thin layers, may have formed billions of years ago due to volcanic activity and the impact of solar winds on the moon. The discovery is particularly exciting as it suggests a potentially cost-effective method for producing graphene on Earth, which could revolutionize electronics and materials science.

Figure 1. Graphene Found in Lunar Soil from Chinese Moon Mission

A recent study published in National Science Review identified naturally formed few-layer graphene, a material featuring a unique, thin-layered carbon atom structure. The research team, led by Professors Meng Zou, Wei Zhang, and Senior Engineer Xiujuan Li from Jilin University, along with Wencai Ren from the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Metal Research, analyzed an olive-shaped lunar soil sample, approximately 2.9 millimeters by 1.6 millimeters, collected during the Chang’e 5 mission in 2020. Figure 1 shows Graphene Found in Lunar Soil from Chinese Moon Mission.

Formation of Graphene in Lunar Soil

The team notes that scientists generally estimate that about 1.9 percent of interstellar carbon is in the form of graphene, with its shape and structure influenced by its formation process.

Using a specialized spectrometer, researchers identified an iron compound closely associated with graphene formation in a carbon-rich section of the lunar soil sample. They then employed advanced microscopic and mapping technologies to confirm that the carbon content in the sample consisted of "flakes" with two to seven layers of graphene.

Implications of the Graphene Discovery

The team suggested that the few-layer graphene may have formed during volcanic activity in the moon's early history and been catalyzed by solar winds, which could stir lunar soil and iron-containing minerals, affecting the carbon atoms' structure. They also proposed that meteorite impacts, which create high-temperature and high-pressure conditions, might have contributed to graphene formation.

On Earth, graphene is gaining prominence in materials science due to its exceptional optical, electrical, and mechanical properties. The team believes their research could pave the way for cost-effective production methods and broaden the material's applications.

Future Prospects for Graphene Utilization

The paper stated, “The mineral-catalyzed formation of natural graphene provides insights into developing low-cost, scalable synthesis techniques for high-quality graphene. This could potentially lead to the promotion of new lunar exploration programs and the anticipation of forthcoming breakthroughs.”

Source: SciTechDaily

Cite this article:

Janani R (2024), Graphene, A Wonder Material, Has Been Discovered in Lunar Soil Samples from A Chinese Moon Mission, AnaTechMaz, pp. 41