2020 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
Clumped isotope signature of abiotic methane formed via Fischer-Tropsch catalysis and its implication in identifying the pathway of natural abiotic methane
| Project/Area Number |
20K14594
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| Research Institution | Tokyo Institute of Technology |
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Principal Investigator |
張 乃忠 東京工業大学, 地球生命研究所, 研究員 (90782772)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2020-04-01 – 2022-03-31
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| Keywords | Abiotic methane / Isotope / Clumped isotope / Fischer-Tropsch |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
As an important component in the early earth and other planets, abiotic methane may provide the carbon source and energy for supporting the origin of evolution of life. It has also been widely observed in present natural system, however, the formation mechanism is yet controversial and inconclusive. In this study, we have applied the recently developed pared clumped isotope analytical technique in laboratory produced abiotic methane via Fischer-Tropsch Type (FTT) reaction to identify the possible reaction pathways. So far, series of FTT reactions with various conditions, such as reaction time, temperature, catalyst, isotopically distinct reactants, etc., have been carried out. By combination of clumped isotope signatures and traditional stable isotope values of methane, as well as the reaction rate, a model will be established to illustrate the detailed reaction processes. These observations are expected to be applied in understanding the formation mechanism of natural abiotic methane samples in the following study.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
2: Research has progressed on the whole more than it was originally planned.
Reason
Series of FTT reactions have been carried out with different experimental conditions. The isotopic signatures of produced methane, including δ13C, δD, Δ13CH3D and Δ12CH2D2, have been analyzed. Measurements of reaction rate and isotopic ratios of CO, CO2, H2, are undergoing.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
A model for clarifying the FTT reaction pathways will be established based on the isotopic results and reaction rate. Some natural abiotic methane samples from hot spring and mud volcanos will be collected and analyzed, to further improve and verify our model and laboratory observations.
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| Causes of Carryover |
Due to the pandemic, the travel expenses have been saved. These amount would be used in the field trip for natural methane sampling which will be carried out this year.
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