A team of researchers has made a groundbreaking discovery at the bottom of the ocean: a new source of oxygen, aptly named ‘dark oxygen.’ This enigmatic phenomenon, detailed in a paper published in the scientific journal Nature Geoscience, has sparked more questions than answers.
The discovery came about when scientists observed rising oxygen levels at depths of 13,000 feet, a feat seemingly impossible without photosynthetic processes. This led them to investigate further, collecting samples of nodule rocks from the seafloor. These rocks are unique, containing a blend of rare earth minerals like cobalt, manganese, and nickel.
The key to the mystery lies in cobalt, a mineral crucial for rechargeable batteries. The researchers found that each of these rocks generates a voltage of up to 0.95V. When hundreds, thousands, or even millions of these electricity-producing rocks are connected, they can achieve the 1.5V required to split oxygen from water through electrolysis. This electrochemical reaction, occurring in the depths of the ocean, is the source of the newly discovered ‘dark oxygen.’
This discovery has profound implications, not just for our understanding of the ocean’s chemistry but also for the future of battery technology. The potential of these rare earth mineral-rich rocks to generate electricity could revolutionize the way we store and utilize energy, offering a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to current technologies.
