Deep Hydrogen Cycle Facilitated by Redox Dehydrogenation and Hydration

Abstract Hydrous phases are often considered important hydrogen carriers in the subducted slabs, but their stabilities under the reduced oxidation state have rarely been investigated. Previous studies suggested that metallic iron can be present in the mantle and subducted slabs at depth through disproportionation and serpentinization of silicates. Here we show that hydrous phases in the subducted slabs such as superhydrous phase B, phase E, and phase Egg react with metallic iron to produce less hydrous or anhydrous silicates, oxides, and H 2 in the deep mantle. The produced H 2 can ascend and react with Fe 3+ ‐bearing silicates in the overlying mantle, leading to the formation of hydrous phases and melts. The high mobility of H 2 fluid compared with hydrous species will expedite the deep hydrogen cycle. Meanwhile, the oxidation states of subducted slab and various mantle layers will undergo gradual homogenization as a result of coupled redox dehydrogenation and hydration processes.