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Updated: May 29, 2026

Determining the Ice-binding Planes of Antifreeze Proteins by Fluorescence-based Ice Plane Affinity
Published on: January 15, 2014
The polymorphism of ice: five unresolved questions.
Christoph G Salzmann1, Paolo G Radaelli, Ben Slater
1Department of Chemistry, Durham University, South Road, Durham DH1 3LE, UK. c.g.salzmann@durham.ac.uk
Scientists discovered three new ice phases, bringing the total to fifteen known polymorphs. This research explores open questions in ice phase transitions and properties.
Area of Science:
- Crystallography
- Materials Science
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- The study of ice polymorphs is crucial for understanding materials under various conditions.
- Fifteen distinct phases of ice are now known, with recent discoveries expanding this knowledge.
- Hydrogen ordering and disordering in ice phases present complex scientific challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a perspective on recent advancements in ice phase research.
- To highlight key open questions and future research directions in the field of ice polymorphs.
- To discuss the implications of new ice phases on our understanding of water's phase diagram.
Main Methods:
- Review of previous work and recent studies on ice polymorphs.
- Analysis of calorimetric data for crystalline and amorphous ice phases.
- Comparison of experimental structural data with computational predictions for ice XV.
Main Results:
- Discovery of three new ice phases, increasing the total known polymorphs to fifteen.
- Identification of open questions regarding hydrogen ordering, calorimetric data discrepancies, and structural predictions.
- Exploration of new frontiers in the high and negative pressure regions of the ice phase diagram.
Conclusions:
- The field of ice polymorphs continues to evolve with new discoveries and emerging questions.
- Further research is needed to resolve discrepancies between experimental and computational findings.
- Understanding ice phases at extreme pressures is a critical area for future investigation.
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