Researchers found, in a sample of lunar soil, thin layers of graphene formed naturally in space. From this analysis, it is possible to define cheaper ways to produce the substance which is becoming known for its capabilities in optics, electrical and mechanical, and expand its use.
In an olive-shaped portion, collected on a 2020 Chinese mission, scientists observed an iron compound that is linked to the formation of graphene. When analyzing this fragment, they determined that there were flakes with two to seven layers of the substance — the scientific community believes that up to 1.9% of interstellar carbon exists in this form.
The discovery was recorded in a study published in National Science Review and researchers speculated that the formation of graphene may have occurred through volcanic activity early in the Moon’s existence, as a result of solar winds acting on the lunar soil transforming the structures of carbon atoms, or by the impact of meteorites that increase the temperature and the pressure of the environment.
“The mineral-catalyzed formation of natural graphene sheds light on the development of low-cost, scalable synthesis techniques for high-quality graphene,” the researchers said in a press release. “Therefore, a new lunar exploration program can be promoted, and some imminent breakthroughs can be expected,” they added.
What is graphene?
The material is composed of a layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal pattern — similar to a honeycomb. Its discovery took place in 2004, by scientists Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov from the University of Manchester, in the United Kingdom, earning them the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics.
Just like diamond and graphite — which are also variations of the arrangement of carbon — graphene is known for having high electrical and thermal conductivity, being transparent, elasticity and flexibility. With these properties, it is possible to bend and stretch it without losing its properties.
Graphene has been used in applications in the optics, electronics, mechanics, energy, sensors, medicine industries, among others.
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