Plastic Ice VII

Recently, scientists have confirmed a fourth form of ice, called Plastic Ice VII. The research study was published in journal Nature.

Water’s Ubiquity in the Universe

• 3rd most abundant molecule after hydrogen (H₂) and carbon monoxide (CO).
• Found in icy moons, giant planets, and Neptune-like exoplanets.

Beyond the Three Common States

• We usually see water as solid (ice), liquid, or gas (vapor).
• Scientists predict multiple exotic phases under extreme conditions.

Discovery of “Plastic Ice VII”

• First experimentally observed at Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) using neutron spectrometry.
• Initially predicted 15+ years ago via molecular dynamics (MD) simulations.

What is Plastic Ice VII?

• Hybrid phase blending solid & liquid properties.
• Forms a rigid cubic lattice like ice VII.
• Water molecules rotate freely in a liquid-like manner at picosecond speeds.

Why is This Important?

• Expands understanding of water’s behavior under extreme conditions.
• Could be common in icy exoplanets and deep planetary interiors.
• Published in Nature, marking a breakthrough in high-pressure physics.