Story perspectives

New Research Reveals Superionic Carbon Hydride in Uranus, Neptune

4/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

Cong Liu and Ronald Cohen of the Carnegie Institution suggest that Uranus and Neptune may contain a quasi-one-dimensional carbon hydride superionic state.
The simulations indicate hot-ice layers of water, methane, and ammonia could host exotic phases under extreme conditions.
Hydrogen atoms move along spiral pathways within an ordered carbon structure.
The findings, published in Nature Communications, imply changes to heat distribution, electrical conductivity, and magnetic field generation.

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Story summary

Cong Liu and Ronald Cohen of the Carnegie Institution suggest that Uranus and Neptune may contain a quasi-one-dimensional carbon hydride superionic state.
The simulations indicate hot-ice layers of water, methane, and ammonia could host exotic phases under extreme conditions.
Hydrogen atoms move along spiral pathways within an ordered carbon structure.
The findings, published in Nature Communications, imply changes to heat distribution, electrical conductivity, and magnetic field generation.