In 2004, scientists at the University of Manchester first discovered graphene, a supermaterial made of single-layer carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal honeycomb lattice. Since then, it has been found to have many useful properties and applications.
It was previously believed that only a small amount of carbon on the Moon existed in the form of graphene. However, researchers from the Chinese Academy of Science recently discovered naturally formed graphene on the Moon’s surface. This finding could change our understanding of how the Moon formed and lead to new ways of making graphene.
The team that made this discovery was led by professors Wei Zhang and Meng Zou from Jilin University, along with colleagues from multiple key laboratories. They published their findings in the National Science Review.
For decades, scientists have believed that the Earth-Moon system was formed when a Mars-sized body collided with Earth about 4.4 billion years ago. However, recent observations of carbon ion fluxes on the Moon suggest that there may be indigenous carbon on the Moon.
The team analyzed a sample of lunar soil retrieved by China’s Chang’e 5 mission in 2020 using advanced technologies. They found iron compounds and graphene flakes two to seven layers thick in the sample.
The team proposed that the graphene formed during volcanic activity early in the Moon’s history, when it was still geologically active. Solar winds may have also played a role in transforming the carbon’s atomic structure.
These findings could have a significant impact on our understanding of the Moon and its history. They could also lead to new methods for producing graphene inexpensively, which would be useful for applications ranging from electronics to construction.
The discovery of graphene on the Moon could also lead to new opportunities for lunar exploration and even the development of permanent infrastructure on the lunar surface. This includes NASA’s Artemis Program, the ESA’s Moon Village initiative, and China and Russia’s plan for an International Lunar Research Station.
Source: https://www.sciencealert.com/wonder-material-graphene-has-been-discovered-on-the-moon