China finds natural graphene in lunar soil samples for first time

Chinese researchers have recently discovered natural graphene for the first time in soil samples brought back from the Moon by the Chang'e-5 probe, providing new insights into the Moon's geological activity, evolutionary history and environmental characteristics, as well as the complex mineral composition of its soil.

According to a research team from Jilin University, an estimated 1.9% of the total interstellar carbon exists in the form of graphene, whose morphology and properties are determined by a specific formation process. Therefore, natural graphene can provide important information and references for the geological evolution of celestial bodies and the in situ use of resources on the Moon.

The researchers also confirmed that the crystalline quality of graphite in the lunar soil samples was relatively high, and found that the carbonaceous lunar sampling site also contained iron compounds that they believe are closely related to the formation of graphene.

Trái Đất nhìn từ Mặt Trăng. Ảnh: NASA — Earth seen from the Moon. Photo: NASA

Through observation and analysis, the research team confirmed that the graphite form of carbon found in the lunar soil samples is a type of few-layer graphene. The formation of graphene and graphite may have originated from mineral catalysis caused by solar winds and early volcanic eruptions on the Moon.

Graphene is a super material that is stronger than steel and lighter than paper and is used in many fields and is expected to become popular in the future. The above research by Chinese scientists was published in the National Science Review.

It is known that in December 2020, 1,731 grams of lunar samples were brought back to Earth by the Chang'e-5 mission. These are the first samples taken from a younger region on the lunar surface with volcanic rocks, and also the first extraterrestrial celestial body samples that Chinese scientists have obtained.

As of early June this year, 258 lunar samples weighing 77.7 grams have been distributed to 114 groups in 40 research institutions. More than 70 research results have been published in major academic journals at home and abroad.

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