Metallic nodules on the seafloor are producing oxygen in complete darkness
Deep-ocean polymetallic nodules act as natural geobatteries, splitting water molecules to create dark oxygen without any sunlight or photosynthesis occurring four kilometers below the ocean surface.
Scientists recently discovered that potato-sized metallic lumps on the Pacific Ocean floor generate oxygen through a process called seawater electrolysis. These nodules carry an electric charge of up to 0.95 volts, enough to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.
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