Abstract
The macroscopic levitation and zero-resistance characteristics exhibited by superconductivity are truly impressive. However, achieving and manipulating levitation at the microscopic level poses significant challenges, including the non-ideal behavior of microscopic particles, maintaining long-term stability, and precise control of particle motion. This paper introduces an innovative strategy that utilizes the spontaneous electrostatic equilibrium established between ionic charges and polar molecules in solution within confined spaces to create a stable microscopic levitation state over a broad temperature range. This novel state of matter transcends traditional classifications of solid, liquid, and gas, with a density between that of a solid and a gas, and exhibits unique structural features. Through the combination of molecular dynamics simulations and first-principles calculations, we have discovered, for the first time, a levitated water form with a density nearly a thousand times that of water vapor, existing in a suspended state with charged ions at room or near-room temperatures. In this unique state of matter, chloride ions achieve an electrical mobility equivalent to that of hydrogen ions and higher than that of hydroxyl ions due to the unique structure of levitated water. As the temperature further decreases, water molecules arrange orderly into chain-like networks, forming porous, atomically precise charged ice structures. We have also identified levitated clusters with a density over a hundred times that of water vapor and about one-ninth that of a solid. Compared to the aforementioned levitated water, these clusters have a lower density and an increased ion ratio, transforming levitated water into a system composed of isolated ions and molecular clusters. These clusters, in the form of several water molecules combined with charged ions or individual ions, levitate independently in space, filling the confined space with a spacing much larger than that of a solid lattice. Even at temperatures below the freezing point of water, this new state of matter remains unfrozen and retains high electrical mobility similar to hydrogen ions. Furthermore, this paper elucidates the principles of preparing charged solutions and pure single-ion charged solutions, as well as the design of related instrumental systems. Finally, we discuss the observability of microscopic levitation states and their potential applications. In summary, microscopic levitation states offer a promising yet challenging research frontier. By developing novel levitation mechanisms and control techniques, this paper achieves more precise and stable levitation of microscopic particles, explores new physical phenomena and laws, and provides fresh insights and methodologies for scientific research and technological innovation, potentially revealing more mysteries of the material world.