An article was published in the National Science Review journal, in which it was said that Chinese scientists found natural graphene, consisting of carbon atoms in a special thin layered structure, in regolith samples brought to Earth by the Chanye-5 probe. Previously, graphene could not be detected in lunar soil samples.

A team led by professors Meng Zou and Wei Zhang from Jilin University, and senior engineer Xiujuan Li, as well as Wencai Ren from the Institute of Metals Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, analyzed soil obtained by the Chanye-5 mission probe in 2020. Using a special spectrometer, the researchers found areas with high carbon content, resembling graphite in shape. A more detailed study confirmed the presence of graphene in the form of flakes two to seven layers thick and in the composition of the shells of other minerals.

Researchers have proposed two hypotheses for the formation of graphene in the regolith. The first associates its appearance with the presence of iron and high temperatures, while the second graphene may form from carbon in the solar wind under the influence of hot plasma.

The scientists believe that their research could help expand the use of graphene, as well as develop new and inexpensive methods for the synthesis of the promising material.

“Mineral-catalyzed formation of natural graphene could lead to new low-cost methods for the synthesis of high-quality graphene. Therefore, you can introduce a new lunar exploration program and expect breakthroughs. [в цій галузі]”, – said in a note to the National Science Review.