Iron Minerals' Hidden Chemistry Explains How Soils Trap Carbon

Iron minerals' hidden chemistry explains how soils trap carbon

While scientists have long known that iron oxide minerals help lock away enormous amounts of carbon—sequestering it from the atmosphere—a new Northwestern University study now reveals exactly why these minerals are such powerful carbon traps.

Iron minerals’ hidden chemistry explains how soils trap carbon

New study discovers a key iron mineral in soil has a nanoscale mosaic of positive and negative charges. Varied charges, hydrogen bonding and strong chemical bonds enable mineral to trap carbon. Findings help explain why some carbon is locked in soils for centuries