Mechanochemical origin of fossil hydrogen

Abstract

More than four decades ago, Russian scientists discovered a previously unknown mechanism for the formation of hydrocarbons in subsurface, which made it possible to explain the origin of oil and gas. This mechanism is a mechanochemical polycondensation synthesis of oil and gas hydrocarbons with the formation of hydrogen, accompanied by the decomposition of a huge amount of water in the rocks of the sedimentary cover of Earth's crust. In this mechanism, the hydrogen donor during the synthesis of hydrocarbons is water, and the carbon donor can be any of its sources (organic substances, carbon dioxide dissolved in water and carbonates). Another discovery of Russian scientists was the previously unknown 40-year (climatic) cycle of carbon dioxide transfer through Earth's surface by meteorogenic waters, which ensures the balance of the carbon and water cycle on our planet, taking into account the formation of hydrocarbons and hydrogen in subsurface and economical activities of people. Until recently, the main priority was to improve the efficiency of oil and gas field development. However, in connection with the transition of the world economy to hydrogen energy, there is a need to pay attention to the possibility of simultaneous production of hydrogen together with hydrocarbons.