New state of matter is a solid-liquid hybrid, PgII

Key Highlights:

• Scientists discovered a new state of matter, a solid-liquid hybrid, at the nanoscale.
• The material exhibits properties of both solids and liquids simultaneously.
• High-resolution transmission electron (HRTE) microscopy was used to observe nanoparticles of platinum, palladium, and gold on graphene.
• The nanoparticles remained liquid at temperatures of 200-300°C, lower than usual crystallization temperatures.
• The discovery has potential applications in designing more effective heterogeneous catalysts.

Detailed Insights:

• The new material isn't a macroscopic slush or gel but a specific atomic structure where parts of a single nanoparticle exist in different states.
• Stationary metal atoms confined to gaps in graphene corral the liquid core of nanoparticles, influencing the solidification process.
• The supercooled liquid formed a disordered solid instead of a standard crystal lattice upon cooling due to physical constraints.
• This disordered solid, chemically identical to the metal, is structurally distinct from its natural crystal form.
• The findings challenge the distinct boundary between solid and liquid phases at the nanoscale.
• Potential applications include preventing clumping and maintaining active liquid or amorphous states in catalysts like platinum on carbon.
• Proton exchange membrane fuel cells and direct methanol fuel cells used in hydrogen electric vehicles and stationary power generators could benefit.

Scientific/Technical Concepts Involved:

• Nanoparticle: A particle with dimensions in the nanometer range (1-100 nm).
• Graphene: A one-atom-thick layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice.
• Heterogeneous Catalyst: A catalyst whose phase differs from that of the reactants.
• HRTE Microscopy: A technique used to obtain high-resolution images of materials at the nanoscale.