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This study aims to investigate how hydrogen affects magnesium oxidation in sub-Neptune exoplanets' interiors.

June 3, 2026Open Access

Stability of hydrides in sub-Neptune exoplanets with thick hydrogen-rich atmospheres

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Experimental findings demonstrate chemical reactions at atmosphere–magma boundaries in sub-Neptunes, indicating altered mineralogy.

This study aims to investigate how hydrogen affects magnesium oxidation in sub-Neptune exoplanets' interiors.
Conducted experiments using a laser-heated diamond-anvil cell.
Heated MgO + Fe samples to 3,500 to 4,900 K under varying pressures (8-29 GPa) in hydrogen medium.
Analyzed chemical interactions and resulting compounds formed in high-pressure conditions.
At 8 to 13 GPa, Mg2FeH6 and H2O were formed, indicating hydrogen's role in reducing magnesium.
At 26 to 29 GPa, separate FeHx phases and a shift in chemical behavior were observed.
These findings suggest that atmosphere-magma interactions can alter the mineral composition of sub-Neptune exoplanets.

Kim et al. (2023) studied this question.

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