地球史における鉄の元素機能：鉄の元素戦略

抄録

  Functionality of element iron is reviewed from a view point of evolving earth and life. Energy conversion of oxidation-reduction reaction of iron (Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺) is important for life of some bacteria and this has been continued for more than 10 billion years. Furthermore, iron has been saving life on earth by geomagnetic properties by positioning on earth's core. This most abundant metal element iron has a lot of unique properties that can be not substituted by other elements. We have been utilizing iron-carbon materials as many kinds of tools because of those widely-controllable mechanical properties. Some of magnetic, mechanical, chemical and electric properties are well known but there may be a lot of unknown properties of element iron and iron materials. Further interdiciplinary studies are suggested.