In a groundbreaking discovery, Chinese scientists analyzing samples collected by the Chang'e-5 mission from the Moon's surface in December 2020 have found naturally occurring "few-layer graphene" for the first time. This revelation, reported by state-run news agency Global Times, has significant implications for future lunar resource utilization.
The presence of this form of graphene could also offer fresh insights into the Moon's early geological history. According to the South China Morning Post, the discovery might challenge the long-standing theory that the Moon formed from debris after a planet-sized body collided with Earth, contributing much of its carbon.
"The prevalent giant impact theory has been strongly supported by the notion of [a] carbon-depleted Moon derived from the early analysis of Apollo samples," wrote researchers from Jilin University in their paper published in National Science Review, as quoted by SCMP.
However, their findings suggest a "carbon-capture process on the Moon," leading to the "gradual accumulation of indigenous carbon." This could revolutionize our understanding of the Moon's chemical composition and history.
Challenging the Giant Impact Hypothesis
Using Raman spectroscopy, a non-destructive chemical analysis method, the team identified the few-layer graphene. This material, which can also be synthetically produced, might have formed due to solar wind exposure and ancient volcanic activity on the Moon.
The discovery of pure "indigenous carbon" raises questions about the long-held belief that a Mars-sized planet's collision with Earth formed the Moon around 4.45 billion years ago. Nonetheless, the researchers acknowledged that meteorites could still have contributed to the formation of graphitic carbon on the lunar surface, as suggested by earlier studies.
"Further in-depth property investigation of natural graphene would provide more information on the geologic evolution of the Moon," the researchers concluded.
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