Methane formation from CaCO3 reduction catalyzed by high pressure

Under high pressures of several giga-pascals using hydrothermal diamond anvil cell, methane generated directly from CaCO3 reduction in gold-lined chamber is in situ measured by Raman spectroscopy at the temperature of 550 °C. The reducing agents include FeO, SiO and natural fayalite (Fe2SiO4), and the resource of hydrogen are water and natural serpentine (Mg3Si2O5(OH)4). The study demonstrates the existence of abiogenic formation of methane under high pressures in the Earth's interior and that the application of high pressure to catalyze multicomponent reactions is a very promising method.