In-situ abiogenic methane synthesis from diamond and graphite under geologically relevant conditions

Diamond and graphite are fundamental sources of carbon in the upper mantle, and their reactivity with H-2-rich fluids present at these depths may represent the key to unravelling deep abiotic hydrocarbon formation. We demonstrate an unexpected high reactivity between carbons' most common allotropes, diamond and graphite, with hydrogen at conditions comparable with those in the Earth's upper mantle along subduction zone thermal gradients. Between 0.5-3 GPa and at temperatures as low as 300 degrees C, carbon reacts readily with H-2 yielding methane (CH4), whilst at higher temperatures (500 degrees C and above), additional light hydrocarbons such as ethane (C2H6) emerge. These results suggest that the interaction between deep H-2-rich fluids and reduced carbon minerals may be an efficient mechanism for producing abiotic hydrocarbons at the upper mantle. Using diamond anvil cell and high temperature experiments, this work proves that the interaction between deep hydrogen rich fluids and reduced carbon minerals may be an efficient mechanism for producing abiotic hydrocarbons at the upper mantle's pressures and temperatures.

Automated summary

The study demonstrates the high reactivity between diamond and graphite with hydrogen under conditions comparable to the Earth's upper mantle, resulting in the production of methane and ethane. This suggests that the interaction between deep hydrogen-rich fluids and reduced carbon minerals may be an efficient mechanism for producing abiotic hydrocarbons at the upper mantle.