(There will be another chapter later, my health is getting better soon)
"The US is deploying new energy-containing materials. Will there be major changes in the energy landscape in the future?"
"What is a total nitrogen anion salt? What will its emergence bring?"
"More pragmatic! Compared with metallic hydrogen, total nitrogen anion salts may achieve results faster."
"Is this a step too far? Is the layout of metallic hydrogen a strategic position, or is it just a matter of great success?"
After the press conference on total nitrogen anion salts, global media quickly followed up, and China’s ongoing metallic hydrogen project was also pushed to the forefront.
Whether objective or not, everyone's views on the metallic hydrogen project are surprisingly consistent, that is:
At this stage, it does seem to be a bit ahead of the curve to engage in metallic hydrogen.
Of course, it is not that no one is standing up for the metallic hydrogen project. On the forum, discussions on this topic have steadily occupied the highest popularity.
"So in the field of energetic materials, we have decided to take the metallic hydrogen route? I always feel that this thing is not very useful, and the synthesis is difficult, and its practicality is far inferior to that of total nitrogen anion salts."
"Are you talking nonsense? You are right that it is difficult to synthesize, but it is pure nonsense to say that it is not very useful."
"Not to mention how much room-temperature superconductivity can bring about improvements in power transmission technology and how many steps it can take mankind to take in the energy field. Even if it is used as fuel and explosives, the performance of metallic hydrogen is extremely amazing."
"If there is a way to synthesize metallic hydrogen on a large scale, first of all in terms of weapons, fourth-generation nuclear weapons will completely change the world's deterrence pattern and lay the foundation for order changes."
"Secondly, when used as fuel, metallic hydrogen fuel can achieve single-stage rockets into orbit without any pressure. The aerospace industry will have significant development, and mankind may directly enter a new space age."
"Taken together, the prospects of metallic hydrogen are extremely broad. The only problem is that it is too difficult to realize."
"Essentially, this technology is similar to nuclear fusion technology."
After this long comment was issued, the focus of discussion gradually shifted from the advantages and disadvantages of the two technologies to the difficulty of implementing the two technologies.
"Although it is difficult to realize metallic hydrogen, it is not that easy to create a full nitrogen anion salt, right?"
"I remember that Nanjing University of Technology has actually been doing research in this area. Their predecessor was specialized in explosives. It has been 10 years since the project was established, and there has been no progress. The old and the United States want to do it with just one sentence? Are you kidding? Woolen cloth?"
"Indeed, the five-membered nitrogen ring is extremely unstable, and even a weak oxidant can cause its decomposition. Currently, all institutions at home and abroad cannot cut off the CN bond while maintaining the integrity of the five-membered nitrogen ring. In this case Now, talking about making total nitrogen anion salts is really a bit of a dream."
"Didn't America synthesize total nitrogen cation salts before? I remember it was in 1998. What's the difference between the two?"
"The N5ˉ ion in the total nitrogen anion salt has a ring structure. The electrons on the five nitrogen atoms are delocalized and conjugated, which makes the N5ˉ ion ring have a certain aromaticity. The total nitrogen cation N5+ previously synthesized in the United States is chain-like and stable. Far inferior to total nitrogen anion salt.”
"Furthermore, hydrofluoric acid is used in the synthesis of total nitrogen cation salts. I don't need to tell you how dangerous this thing is."
"But despite this, in general, the total nitrogen anion salt is still easier than metallic hydrogen, right?"
"In any case, what the American said is right. It is very likely that after we develop metallic hydrogen, the world will already be dominated by all-nitrogen anion salts."
"Aren't you alarmist? New things will always eliminate old things, and metallic hydrogen will also eliminate total nitrogen anion salts."
"Technology will be eliminated, but order is difficult to break. It's useless to talk about this. Let's read the official announcement."
"I hope we can take both paths at the same time, but cost is a big issue."
Chengdu, in the office.
Looking at the discussion on the Internet, Chen Guo said with some emotion:
"Nowadays, the level of netizens is getting higher and higher, but in terms of their analysis of the two technical routes, they are not much different from professional energetic materials scholars."
"Is it because the effects of our previous science popularization projects are beginning to show? Or do they already understand?"
"Both of them - the main reason is the development of Internet technology, which has made information exchange easier."
Chen Nian answered with a smile, and then continued:
"But anyway, ordinary people's views on these two technologies are still limited."
"They only see the effect of the results, but they don't see the side effects of the research and development process."
"If we simply consider the revenue expectations based on the 'probability of R&D success' and 'impact of finished products', total nitrogen anion salts may indeed be higher than metallic hydrogen."
"But the problem is that the technological improvements in the field of high-pressure physics and the spin-off results of high-strength materials involved in the research and development of metallic hydrogen are not available in full nitrogen anion salts."
"So in summary, even at this point in time, it is more cost-effective to develop metallic hydrogen than to develop total nitrogen anion salts."
Chen Guo nodded slightly, thought for a moment, and then said:
"Speaking of this, after the development of metallic hydrogen, what are the application directions?"
"First of all, we must make a fuss about superconducting properties - the transmission network must be comprehensively updated based on this."
"After the loss of power transmission is reduced, we will be able to achieve overtaking in the energy field and gradually replace traditional fossil energy with new electric energy."
"Secondly, superconducting suspension trains are also an important direction. Now that our high-speed rail technology has basically taken shape, the next step is to pursue faster and safer railway transportation."
"Of course, the biggest role of metallic hydrogen lies in metallic hydrogen batteries."
"This area is very complicated, and I don't have much confidence in the short term."
Chen Nian didn't mean to be modest when he said this.
When he first tried to analyze it, he had already discovered that the source points required for metal hydrogen batteries are more than twice as high as those of pure metal hydrogen materials.
This is enough to prove that the technical difficulty of turning metallic hydrogen into a battery will never be small.
"If you're not sure, just take your time. This is already advanced enough."
Chen Guo said comfortingly.
"However, what the Americans did to us is really disgusting - we are engaged in metallic hydrogen, and they are engaged in total nitrogen anion salts."
"If we really let them take the lead, our subsequent layout may be in trouble."
"Don't worry, it's impossible to let them get the upper hand."
Chen Nian answered decisively.
"Don't think it's as easy as they say, but it will take them at least two or three years to come up with a total nitrogen anion salt."
"But I dare not say that we will mass-produce it here. If it is just made in the laboratory, give me two months, which is enough."
"Two months?!"
Chen Guo was shocked.
"Is it that fast? Can it be achieved?"
"Of course."
Chen Nian said confidently:
"The carbon nanotube technology is fully mature, and the diamond felt is already in place. We have completed all the preliminary steps. What is lacking now is just to integrate these technologies to achieve the final result."
Two days later, in the comprehensive laboratory of the Metal Hydrogen Project Team of the Hefei Institute of Physical Sciences.
Isaac walked around the laboratory curiously, and the experimenters around him looked at him with equal curiosity.
Of course, this is not the first time that foreign faces have appeared in this institute. When the Plasma Research Institute was working on the proton cyclotron project, a large number of scientists from all over the world gathered here, not to mention the more open-minded Medical materials projects.
This has never been a closed-door place, on the contrary, it is extremely open and eclectic.
The reason why everyone is curious is because of the "ownership" spirit shown by Isaac.
He does not seem to regard himself as a "consultant", but as the leader of the project - at least, as a key member of the project.
"A square space of at least 3*3 meters must be reserved here. As you can see, the position of the diamond felt equipment in the middle is fixed. We need a space to serve as a manual operating platform, especially to lay out the shooting equipment."
"In fact, it is impossible for us to stably produce metallic hydrogen now, and it is very likely that even if it is produced, it will not be preserved, so it is particularly important to photograph and preserve evidence."
"And here, this is the location reserved for industrial air coolers. Don't place them in the main passage. This will have a great impact on the overall efficiency of the laboratory."
"By the way, I think the rules of the laboratory can be changed slightly, and specialized personnel can be responsible for dust-free management. Of course, they can take turns."
As he spoke, he pointed everywhere, as if he had truly regarded this place as his "home" for long-term development.
——
And coupled with his bad accent, this scene becomes even more comical.
"Mr. Isaac, regarding the layout of the laboratory, the laboratory has carefully planned it."
"From the perspective of subsequent experimental uses, including specific purposes of use, there is basically no problem with the layout we are planning now."
"Of course, what you mentioned about dust-free management is indeed a good suggestion, and we will consider implementing it."
"That's right!"
Isaac nodded with satisfaction, and then continued:
"You don't have much experience in this area."
"Of course, I am not talking about the field of high-pressure physics, but simply the field of metallic hydrogen."
"So, you must need a smart and meticulous leader."
"And it just so happens that I am such a person."
"Although my position is only that of 'advisor' now, I know that this is just a step that must be taken before gaining your trust."
"One day you will see my ability and willingly let me be your leader."
After hearing his words, everyone present couldn't help but feel a little funny.
How should we evaluate it?
Call him arrogant, but he still has self-awareness and knows that he will not be able to enter the core of the project team in the short term.
But if you want to say how humble he is, that's not right, because in his opinion, the only reason why he can't enter the core group is that as a foreigner, he can't gain the trust of his superiors for the time being.
He may have never thought that there would be someone in China who was stronger than him in this field and more suitable as a project team leader.
There was an eerie silence in the laboratory. After a long time, someone finally asked:
"Mr. Isaac, haven't you ever thought that maybe you were not allowed into the core group not because you were not trusted, but simply because of your ability?"
"Think about it in terms of ability? Haha!"
An exaggerated smile appeared on Isaac's face, and then he said:
"This isn't even a funny joke. My friends, you know I don't mean to belittle your abilities."
"But in fact, in the field of metallic hydrogen, China has never had any outstanding results."
"Even in terms of theoretical research, it cannot reach the international first-tier level."
"You don't want to think about letting that kid named Chen Nian be the leader, do you?"
"Yes, I admit that he is indeed a genius, but in the field of high-pressure physics experiments, genius alone is not enough."
"It requires experience, it requires intuition, and it requires understanding your subject as you would your lover."
"And this is obviously impossible for him to do."
"To put it another way, do you know why the Americans want to launch a total nitrogen anion salt project instead of a metallic hydrogen project?"
At this point, Isaac paused deliberately. After seeing everyone shaking their heads, he asked and answered himself:
"Because I left!"
"With me gone, they can no longer find anyone capable enough to support the metallic hydrogen project."
"This is the reason. So, you are lucky. You found me early. For this reason alone, you are already too far ahead of the United States."
After hearing his words, everyone had no choice but to nod in confusion.
Isaac became more and more satisfied. He sighed deeply and continued:
"So, you should still pay attention to my opinion."
"Although I am only a consultant at the moment, the role I can play is no smaller than any of you."
"Of course, of course, if you don't take it seriously, we won't let you join the project team."
"That's right - well, enough gossip, I think we should talk about something more technical."
"Is the ruby pressure internal standard I mentioned last time ready? This is the key to our pressure measurement."
"We are not using a ruby pressure internal standard. What we are going to do is not a 'traditional' diamond anvil process."
"What?"
Isaac was shocked.
"What does 'not a traditional diamond anvil craft' mean? What are you going to do?"
"Besides this, is there any other way to achieve high pressure above 500Gpa? You are just kidding!"
"We're not kidding."
The experimenter shook his head slightly, and then continued:
"We will use the carbon nanotube solution. Carbon nanotubes will replace the traditional metal gasket-the pressure transmission medium-the ruby internal standard solution."
"It may be more difficult to observe, but this solution will make it easier to obtain high pressure and more likely to create metallic hydrogen."
"You are crazy to use this plan. If you cannot directly achieve the final result, you will never make any progress - at least in the eyes of others!"
"How long can you hold on? How long can your superiors hold on?"
Hearing his words, the experimenter smiled.
He finally understood why Isaac valued the so-called "video equipment" so much.
——
Of course, his thinking is not wrong.
After all, a project can only continue if phased results continue to appear.
However, metallic hydrogen projects are special.
Produced in the laboratory, it is just a "phased achievement" in the first place.
Thinking of this, he said:
"You don't have to hold on for long."
"We just have to build it."
(End of chapter)
