3D insights into the multiorigins of nanophase Fe <sup>0</sup> in the Moon surface
Abstract
Nanophase metallic iron (npFe 0 ) in lunar soils is a key indicator for understanding the space weathering mechanisms of airless bodies. However, the detailed three-dimensional (3D) spatial topology and distribution of layered npFe 0 have rarely been documented in lunar soil samples. Here, we reveal the unique 3D spatial multilayered distributions and morphologies of npFe 0 in the Chang’e-5 impact glass using a combination of electron tomography and spectroscopic techniques, demonstrating that npFe 0 originates from multiple effects including iron sulfide decomposition, Fe(II) disproportionation, and solar wind irradiation. We provide direct evidence for the decomposition of iron sulfide to produce irregularly shaped npFe 0 . This study quantifies the 3D abundance of npFe 0 in a piece of lunar impact glass, revealing localized Fe 0 accumulation up to 7.1 wt%. Our results provide 3D nanoscale analysis for multiple coexisting formation mechanisms of npFe 0 , elucidating the complex space weathering processes in the lunar surface.
Article Details
Journal Info
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
National Academy of Sciences
Authors (8)
Yiheng Dai
Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Center for Integrated Spectroscopy, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering
Zezhou Li
Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Center for Integrated Spectroscopy, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China.
Tianyi Jia
Research Institute of Extraterrestrial Material at Peking University
Zhiheng Xie
Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Center for Integrated Spectroscopy, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering
Ruimin Wang
State Key Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, School of Biomedical Engineering, Institute of Medical Robotics and Shanghai Academy of Experimental Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University
Zongjun Yin
Bing Shen
Research Institute of Extraterrestrial Material at Peking University
Jihan Zhou
Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Center for Integrated Spectroscopy, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China.