Question 1: the FeS/H2S system as a possible primordial source of redox energy.

The theory of chemoautotrophy, as developed by Wächtershäuser, has been subject to experimental studies, which show a possible carbon fixation pathway of several consecutive steps from simple CO2 to amino acids, using the redox system of iron sulphide and hydrogen sulphide. Main findings were a mimicking of the acetyl-CoA enzyme reaction using the mixed sulphide (Fe,Ni)S and the reduction of dinitrogen to ammonia. Present studies aim at a more detailed investigation of the mechanism of the redox system FeS/H2S and its properties. For these studies a method to produce and immobilise FeS nanoparticles has been developed.