Hydrogen Achieves Superfluidity at Nanoscale: Potential for Clean Energy Advancements

In a groundbreaking study, researchers at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, have confirmed that hydrogen can achieve superfluidity at the nanoscale, validating a theoretical prediction made half a century ago. Superfluidity, a quantum state where friction ceases to exist, was first observed in helium in 1936. To achieve this, the team, led by Takamasa Momose and Hatsuki Otani, confined small clusters of hydrogen molecules within helium nanodroplets at extremely low temperatures (-272.25 degrees Celsius). A methane molecule was then embedded within the hydrogen cluster and rotated using laser pulses. The rotating methane acted as an indicator: if it rotated without resistance, it signified superfluidity in the surrounding hydrogen. This occurred when the cluster contained 15 to 20 hydrogen molecules. The discovery holds potential implications for hydrogen fuel cell technology. Hydrogen, which produces only water as a byproduct, faces hurdles in production, storage, and transportation. The frictionless flow of superfluid hydrogen could pave the way for innovative technologies that enable more efficient hydrogen transport and storage, advancing clean energy solutions.