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New Simulations Reveal Superionic Carbon Hydride in Ice Giants

4/23/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Simulations by Cong Liu and Ronald Cohen suggest carbon hydride could exist as a quasi-one-dimensional superionic state under extreme pressures and temperatures inside Uranus and Neptune.
Carbon atoms form a stable framework in this state.
Hydrogen atoms move along spiral paths.
The findings could explain the unusual magnetic fields of Uranus and Neptune and affect heat and electricity transport in these ice giants.

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Story summary

Simulations by Cong Liu and Ronald Cohen suggest carbon hydride could exist as a quasi-one-dimensional superionic state under extreme pressures and temperatures inside Uranus and Neptune.
Carbon atoms form a stable framework in this state.
Hydrogen atoms move along spiral paths.
The findings could explain the unusual magnetic fields of Uranus and Neptune and affect heat and electricity transport in these ice giants.