3D insights into the multiorigins of nanophase Fe0 in the Moon surface

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Dai, Yiheng; Li, Zezhou; Jia, Tianyi; Xie, Zhiheng; Wang, Ruimin; Yin, Zongjun; Shen, Bing; Zhou, Jihan
• 署名单位: Peking University; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Peking University; Peking University; Chinese Academy of Sciences; Nanjing Institute of Geology & Paleontology, CAS
• 刊物名称: PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0027-8424; 1091-6490
• DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2528977123
• 发表日期: 2026-06-02
• 页码: e2528977123
• 关键词: space weathering; nanophase metallic iron; ELECTRON TOMOGRAPHY; 3D structures; METALLIC IRON; SPACE; chondrites; origin; MODEL

摘要

Nanophase metallic iron (npFe0) 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 npFe0 have rarely been documented in lunar soil samples. Here, we reveal the unique 3D spatial multilayered distributions and morphologies of npFe0 in the Chang'e-5 impact glass using a combination of electron tomography and spectroscopic techniques, demonstrating that npFe0 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 npFe0. This study quantifies the 3D abundance of npFe0 in a piece of lunar impact glass, revealing localized Fe0 accumulation up to 7.1 wt%. Our results provide 3D nanoscale analysis for multiple coexisting formation mechanisms of npFe0, elucidating the complex space weathering processes in the lunar surface.