US Scientists Trick Solid Into Behaving Like Liquid

                Scientists have discovered how to get a solid material to act like a liquid without actually changing its state, opening a new world of possibilities for the electronic, optics and computing industries. Researchers discovered a nano sponge like, non-flammable human made material and pressed it into pellets the size of a pinkie nail. They noticed something odd when they looked at its X-ray diffraction pattern. The material’s internal crystal structure arranged in a strange pattern. Researchers then turned the pellets on their side and ran the X-ray analysis again. The crystal structures within the material fell into precise patterns that allow for lithium ions to flow easily – like a liquid. The findings are significant because using current liquid materials sometimes is problematic. For example, lithium-ion batteries are among the most efficient ones, charging many of our gadgets. However, they tend to be big and bulky due to use of a liquid to transfer lithium ions from one side of the battery to the other to store and disperses energy.