Chinese researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery of naturally occurring few-layer graphene in lunar soil samples brought back to Earth by the Chang’e-5 spacecraft.
Through observation and analysis, the researchers from China have identified naturally occurring few-layer graphene in lunar soil samples collected by the Chang’e-5 spacecraft.
This research was conducted by scientists from Jilin University, the Institute of Metal Research under the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the China Deep Space Exploration Research Institute, and the Lunar Exploration and Space Program Center of the China National Space Administration.
Chang’e-5 spacecraft preparing to leave the lunar surface on December 3, 2020. (Image: THX/TTXVN).
Graphene is increasingly recognized for its significant role across expanding fields, including space and planetary science.
It is estimated that graphene comprises about 1.9% of the total carbon content in interstellar space. Therefore, the structural characteristics and composition of natural graphene can provide valuable insights into the geological evolution processes occurring in the universe.
The researchers employed Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy to collect Raman spectra at various points with relatively high carbon content in the lunar soil samples, finding that the crystal quality of the carbon graphite in these samples is relatively high.
Through extensive analysis and the application of various technologies, the scientists confirmed that the carbon graphite detected in these samples is few-layer graphene.
The researchers suggest that the formation of few-layer graphene and carbon graphite may stem from mineral catalytic processes driven by solar wind and early volcanic eruptions on the Moon.
This study provides new insights into the geological activity, evolutionary history, and environmental characteristics of the Moon.
Additionally, the findings expand our understanding of the complex mineral composition of lunar soil and offer crucial information for in-situ resource utilization on the Moon.
The research has been published in the journal National Science Review.
