The Research on H2O Adsorption Characteristics of Lunar Regolith Simulants: Implications for the Development and Utilization of Lunar Water Resources

This study prepared an adsorption-based water-containing lunar regolith simulant under low-temperature conditions to investigate H2O behavior in simulated lunar environments. Experiments established that water binds to regolith particles via adsorption rather than existing in liquid/solid states, with critical initial pressure thresholds identified at various temperatures to ensure pure adsorption conditions. Crucially, coexisting substances extend H2O preservation to −100 °C, suggesting substantial water retention in lunar polar regolith even under extreme cold. Sublimation modeling further revealed phase transition boundaries, indicating water ice likely persists in both permanently shadowed regions and illuminated polar areas. These findings provide fundamental insights into: adsorption-driven enrichment/preservation mechanisms of lunar water, thermodynamic stability thresholds at ultralow temperatures, and water ice distribution patterns across lunar polar terrains. The data advance understanding of lunar water’s stability and extractability, offering critical scientific support for future in situ resource utilization and sustained lunar exploration.