Hybrid matter that behaves like both liquid and solid discovered

Researchers from the University of Nottingham and the University of Ulm have discovered a novel hybrid state of matter in which some atoms within a liquid remain stationary, effectively "corralling" the liquid and enabling it to exist in a supercooled state far below its normal freezing point. Using a low-voltage SALVE transmission electron microscope, the team observed that metal nanoparticles (such as platinum, gold, and palladium) melted on graphene supports contained atoms pinned to defects in the graphene. These stationary atoms, especially when arranged in ring-like structures, trap the liquid metal and prevent it from crystallizing, allowing it to remain liquid at temperatures over 1,000 degrees Celsius below its typical freezing point. This atomic confinement disrupts normal solidification, resulting in the formation of an amorphous, glass-like solid when the liquid eventually freezes. The discovery marks the first time atomic corralling has been demonstrated, a phenomenon previously only seen with photons and electrons. This breakthrough has significant implications for various fields, including