Chinese breakthrough on lunar graphene challenges Moon formation theories

Chinese scientists made an unusual discovery during the examination of a sample collected from the Moon in 2020. It may have serious implications for humanity's plans regarding the utilisation of local resources on the surface of Earth's natural satellite.

Chinese researchers discovered naturally occurring "multi-layer graphene" in the sample collected from the Moon's surface as part of the Chang'e 5 mission nearly four years ago, reported China's state news agency Global Times at the end of June, referenced in an article by futurism.com.

Their discovery may have serious implications for humanity's plans regarding utilising local resources on the Moon's surface. It may also provide a new perspective on the early geological evolution of the Moon and even overturn the long-standing theory that the Moon formed after a small planet collided with Earth and that a significant portion of its carbon comes from this collision, futurism.com reported, citing an article in the South China Morning Post.

Chinese research suggests the existence of a "carbon capture process on the Moon" leading to the "gradual accumulation of native carbon" - a discovery that "may help to rethink the chemical composition and history of the Moon" - commented SCMP.

Scientists confirmed the discovery of multi-layer graphene, consisting of two to ten layers, which can also be produced in the laboratory. Researchers suggest that this material may have formed due to the impact of solar wind on the Moon's surface and early volcanic eruptions.

The scientists who are part of the research team acknowledge that the role of meteorites in the formation of graphite carbon on the Moon's surface cannot be completely ruled out. They emphasise that further in-depth analyses of the properties of natural lunar graphene are necessary.

At the end of June, as part of the Chang'e 6 mission, the Chinese also brought back to Earth the first-ever sample collected from the far side of the Moon. Ge Ping, overseeing the Chinese lunar programmes, told reporters that the samples appear to be "thicker and more viscous" than those collected from the near side of the Moon. He added that they contain some "lumps" - futurism.com reported at the beginning of July.

Although the samples have not yet been analysed, their composition may be significantly different from the samples collected earlier, the Chinese believe. The research is expected to last until the end of the year. Then China will announce the results.