Iron hydride enters an exotic state of matter under Earth's inner-core conditions
Researchers from the Institute of Science Tokyo have discovered that iron hydride enters a superionic state under the extreme pressure and temperature conditions found in Earth's inner core. This state allows light elements like hydrogen to move through the iron lattice like a liquid, potentially explaining seismic wave behavior.
Why it matters
This discovery provides the first experimental evidence for the composition and dynamics of Earth's deep interior, helping scientists understand planetary formation.
edited by Gaby Clark , reviewed by Robert Egan
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Add as preferred source Iron hydride was compressed in a laser-heated diamond-anvil cell and analyzed using synchrotron X-ray diffraction, revealing evidence of a superionic state. Credit: Institute of Science Tokyo Earth's inner core, composed primarily of iron with a small percentage of light elements, may enter a superionic state at extreme pressure and temperature, according to experimental results from researchers at Science Tokyo. Using laser-heated and electrically wired diamond-anvil cells, the researchers identified experimental signatures of superionic iron hydride at conditions relevant to Earth's core. These findings provide new insights into the composition and dynamics of Earth's deep interior.
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