Ni’s robust effect on the formation and structure of Earth's inner core

What is it about?

Ni is the second most abundant element in the Earth's core. However, its effects on the inner core structure and formation process are usually disregarded because its electronic structure and size are similar to those of Fe. Our present work challenges this generally accepted assumption. We have shown for the first time that Ni can significantly affect the stable crystalline phase and the formation of solid Fe alloys in the Earth’s inner core. This is unexpected in light of previous studies of core structure and formation.

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Photo by USGS on Unsplash

Photo by USGS on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This work demonstrates that the core's second most abundant element, Ni, strongly affects Fe's crystallization process. Ni can stabilize the bcc phase and accelerate Fe's crystallization under core pressures. The simulation results suggest that alloying Fe with Ni can promote the coexistence of the bcc and hcp phases in the solid inner core. This is critical in understanding the inner core's nucleation and the origin of its complex solid structure.

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