CrystXeMin · Crystallographic perspective on xenon reactivity with aluminium-containing minerals under extreme conditions

Xenon (Xe) is a noble gas that was thought to be inert up to the middle of the 20th century. Recently, it has attracted more attention due to its uses in dark-matter detectors, in propulsion for space exploration, and due to its effective anaesthetic and other therapeutic properties. For these applications, xenon is extracted from air, but it is scarce and costly. However, Xe could be retained under the Earth's surface, potentially providing another deep source of this gas that could facilitate further technological and medicinal advances. Current data on xenon retention in minerals is sparse due to extreme reaction conditions, instability of products, and instrumental limitations. The CrystXeMin project, supported by Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, aims to systematically investigate reactivity of xenon with common minerals under Earth crust conditions while utilizing crystallographic knowledge to mitigate instrumental limitations. This study will not just expand knowledge on the reactivity of this inert gas and produce the first Xe-rich minerals recoverable at ambient conditions. The project will unveil natural minerals that can react with xenon and can be used to capture and recycle this gas. Furthermore, an understanding of Xe concentration mechanisms can lead to the location of deep sources of this gas, facilitating its use for technological advances.