"Ice Surfaces Start Melting Before Temperatures Hit Freezing Point"
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered that ice begins to exhibit a premelting effect at temperatures much lower than previously observed, using advanced low-dose, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This phenomenon, where a quasi-liquid-like layer forms on the surface of ice, challenges traditional phase diagrams and could have implications for understanding water's complex behavior across different states. The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, also demonstrates a new method for examining sensitive materials without causing damage, potentially aiding in the development of better batteries and other technologies.