Scientists led by University of British Columbia chemists have found that tiny hydrogen clusters at very cold temperatures show superfluidity, a state where stuff flows without friction. Before, only helium showed superfluidity.

The scientists have described the methods and results of this study in a paper published in Science Advances.

Back in 1936, helium amazed scientists by flowing through tiny spaces without sticking. Viscosity is how thick or sticky a liquid feels. Helium had none in its superfluid state. In 1972, physicist Vitaly Ginzburg guessed hydrogen might do this too. Until now, no one saw it happen with hydrogen molecules.

Studying hydrogen is hard because it freezes solid at -259°C. The team used helium nanodroplets to keep it liquid at -272.25°C. They trapped small hydrogen clusters inside. Then, they added a methane molecule and spun it with lasers. Methane is a simple gas molecule. If it spun fast without slowing, the hydrogen around it was superfluid. With 15 to 20 hydrogen molecules, the methane spun freely. This proved the hydrogen flowed without friction.

Toward more efficient hydrogen storage and transport for clean energy

“This discovery deepens our understanding of quantum fluids and could inspire more efficient hydrogen storage and transport for clean energy,” says research leader Takamasa Momose in a press release issued by the University of British Columbia.

Hydrogen powers fuel cells, which make electricity and only release water. Fuel cells are devices that turn fuel into energy cleanly. But storing and moving hydrogen is tough. Superfluid hydrogen could change that. Its frictionless flow might make transport and storage easier. This could boost clean energy tech.

The scientists think that this discovery opens new doors. It shows how hydrogen behaves in weird, useful ways. Cleaner energy might get a big push from this. The scientists plan to explore more about how superfluidity works.

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