Robustness of Bilayer Hexagonal Ice against Surface Symmetry and Corrugation

       Here, Pu Yang and colleagues use atomic force microscopy to better conceptualize how BHI crystals form on non-hexagonal, hydrophobic gold surfaces with conditions like one-dimensional corrugation. They found that BHI crystals are very robust and able to accommodate various corrugated, non-symmetrical substrates. The findings offer information about dynamics like surface adhesion and friction and ultrafast water transport in two-dimensional channels. These insights could also shed light on what other materials may have BHI-like structures.

       Article link: https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.129.046001