Scientists Discover Ice XXI, a New Form of Ice Under Extreme Pressure

What's Happening?

An international team of researchers, led by scientists from the Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS), has discovered a new phase of ice, termed ice XXI. This discovery was made using advanced X-ray facilities at the European XFEL and PETRA III. Ice XXI is unique because it forms when liquid water is subjected to rapid compression, resulting in 'supercompressed water' at room temperature. This phase is metastable, meaning it can persist temporarily even though another type of ice would typically be more stable under similar conditions. The research provides new insights into the behavior and transformation of ice under extreme pressure, contributing to the understanding of water's complexity in its solid state.

Why It's Important?

The discovery of ice XXI is significant as it expands the understanding of ice's structural phases, which are crucial for various scientific fields, including planetary science. Ice XXI's unique properties could offer insights into the composition and behavior of icy moons like Titan and Ganymede, where similar high-pressure ice phases might exist. This research could also impact the study of water's molecular dynamics and its role in different environmental and extraterrestrial conditions. The findings may lead to advancements in materials science and contribute to the development of technologies that utilize high-pressure conditions.

What's Next?

The research teams at DESY and European XFEL are continuing their efforts to understand water's behavior under extreme conditions. Future studies may explore additional high-temperature metastable ice phases and their transition pathways, potentially revealing more about the composition of icy celestial bodies. The ongoing research initiatives, such as DESY's Centre for Molecular Water Science and European XFEL's Water Call, aim to foster innovative studies on water, promising further discoveries in the field.

Beyond the Headlines

The discovery of ice XXI highlights the complexity of water, a seemingly simple molecule, and its ability to form various solid structures under different conditions. This research underscores the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing scientific knowledge and the potential for unexpected findings in well-studied areas like water. The study also raises questions about the implications of metastable phases in natural and industrial processes, potentially influencing future research in climate science and materials engineering.