Researchers capture images of atoms ‘swimming’ in liquid

Graphene scientists from The University of Manchester have created a novel ‘nano petri dish’ using two-dimensional (2D) materials to create a new method of observing how atoms move in liquid. The team, led by researchers based at the National Graphene Institute (NGI), used stacks of 2D materials including graphene to trap liquid in order to further understand how the presence of liquid changes the behavior of the solid.

The researchers were able to capture images of single atoms ‘swimming’ in liquid for the first time. The findings could have widespread impact on the future development of green technologies such as hydrogen production.