Exploring Reversibility within Compressible Liquids

Earlier this year, we discovered the world's most compressible liquid (CL) to date. With STFC scientists and facilities, it was analysed and was found to compress by 10% in volume under pressure (cf. 2-3% for water). The compression however, was irreversible - this was unexpected and not ideal for applications such as shock absorption. In September 2019, we were granted further access to the equipment used previously to pressurise the material. Interestingly, by adding small amounts (5%) of certain additives, the compression became reversible. This information will be an important aspect in a high impact publication on these groundbreaking materials. However, to include these latest results, the structure of the reversible system at the molecular level needs to be analysed. This beamtime application will enable such analysis and publication of a high impact paper.