Over 15 years ago, scientists predicted that plastic ice VII could form under extreme conditions using computer simulations.
We all know water as ice, liquid, and steam. But prepare to be surprised – there are other, far more exotic forms out there. The exotic phase of water may occur naturally on planets and moons elsewhere in our solar system under high temperatures and pressure.
For the first time, scientists have observed one of these exotic phases: Plastic Ice VII. “Plastic phases are hybrid states that blend properties of both solids and liquids. In plastic ice, the water molecules form a rigid cubic lattice, as in ice VII, but exhibit picosecond rotational motion reminiscent of liquid water,” explained Livia Eleonora Bove, research director at the French National Centre for Scientific Research CNRS. Bove is also an associate professor at La Sapienza University in Rome and associate scientist at EPFL – École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne . First experimental observationOver 15 years ago, scientists predicted that plastic ice VII could form under extreme conditions using computer simulations. This incredible discovery was made possible by cutting-edge technology at the Institut Laue-Langevin in France. Researchers used advanced neutron spectrometers and specialized equipment to recreate the extreme conditions of high temperature and pressure needed to form Plastic Ice VII.Moreover, Quasi-Elastic Neutron Scattering allowed scientists to probe the structure and dynamics of the water molecules within this exotic phase. It led to the “first experimental observation” of this unique water phase, plastic ice VII. Analysis of neutron scattering data revealed that the movement of molecules in plastic ice VII is more complex than previously predicted by computer simulations.“The QENS measurements suggested a different molecular rotation mechanism for plastic ice VII than the free rotor behavior initially expected,” said Maria Rescigno, PhD student at Sapienza University and first author.Further computer simulations, combined with a statistical method called Markov chain analysis, revealed a more precise understanding of how water molecules behave within plastic ice VII. Instead of rotating freely, the simulations showed the molecules tend to rotate in a specific four-fold pattern. This exotic ice could exist in icy celestial worldsScientists are also investigating the transition between regular Ice VII and Plastic Ice VII. Understanding this transition could provide clues about another elusive exotic phase: superionic water.“This transition is predicted to be either first-order or continuous, depending on the simulation method used,” explained Bove in the press release.The researcher further explained: “The continuous transition scenario is very intriguing as it hints that the plastic phase could be the precursor of the elusive superionic phase – another hybrid exotic phase of water predicted at even higher temperatures and pressures, where hydrogen can diffuse freely through the oxygen crystalline structure.” These exotic forms of water, plastic, and superionic ice, could be key to understanding some of the icy worlds in our solar system such as moons and planets . The extreme heat and pressure within these icy celestial bodies could allow exotic forms of water to form and potentially make up large parts of their interiors.By understanding these exotic phases, experts could gain invaluable insights into their formation, evolution, and the unique processes that shape them.The results have just been published in Nature.
Environment Exotic Ice Physics Plastic Ice VII Space
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