Chinese scientists discover novel method to produce water from lunar soil

In a breakthrough discovery, researchers from the Ningbo Institute of Materials Technology and Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (NIMTE) and collaborating institutions have developed a novel technique to produce water from lunar soil, potentially revolutionizing the sustainability of human missions to the Moon, according to Tide News.

The study, published in the journal The Innovation, explores the potential of harnessing hydrogen present in lunar minerals, particularly titanium iron ore, to generate water. These minerals, which have nanoscale pores that store hydrogen atoms, react with hydrogen from solar winds upon heating to produce water vapor, which can then be condensed into liquid water.

The research team, which had access to lunar soil samples from China's Chang'e-5 mission, found that 1 gram of lunar soil can produce 51 to 76 milligrams of water, which translates to approximately 51 to 76 kilograms of water from 1 ton of lunar soil. This is enough to meet the daily drinking needs of 50 people.

Moreover, the study uncovered that electron irradiation can significantly lower the reaction temperature required for water generation, making the process more practical and energy-efficient. This finding also explains the observed variation in hydrogen distribution on the lunar surface, with higher concentrations near the equator due to stronger solar wind irradiation.

Based on their findings, the research team has proposed a comprehensive strategy for in-situ water production on the Moon. The strategy involves using solar-powered heating to melt lunar soil and react it with hydrogen from solar winds, resulting in the formation of water, iron, and ceramic glass. The water can then be used to sustain life on the lunar surface, while the iron can be utilized for various industrial applications.

This discovery holds significant implications for future lunar exploration and infrastructure development.