Polycyclic aromatics in the Chang'E 5 lunar soils.

ABSTRACT: Polycyclic aromatics are ubiquitous in the interstellar medium and meteorites, yet the search for lunar polycyclic aromatics remains a significant challenge. Here, we analyze Chang'E-5 lunar soil samples, revealing polycyclic aromatic concentrations of 5.0-9.2 µg/g (average: 7.4 ± 1.4 µg/g). Their aromatic structures are highly condensed, comparable to ~4 nm graphene sheets, and distinct from terrestrial analogs, such as wood char, soot and kerogen. While meteorite impacts are the most likely sources, the stable carbon isotope composition of polycyclic aromatics in Chang'E-5 lunar soil (δ¹³C: -5.0 ± 0.6‰ to +3.6 ± 1.3‰) is more enriched in ¹³C compared to that in meteorites. This enrichment suggests a de novo formation mechanism during meteorite impacts, involving the

SUBMITTER: Zhong G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12003783 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature