Solid, Liquid (IMAGE) University of Central Florida Caption When chemistry graduate student Demetrius A. Vazquez-Molina took COF-5, a nano sponge-like, non-flammable manmade material and pressed it into pellets the size of a pinkie nail, he noticed something odd when he looked at its X-ray diffraction pattern. Professor Fernando Uribe-Romo suggested he turn the pellets on their side and run the X-ray analysis again. The result: The crystal structures within the material fell into precise patterns that allow for lithium ions to flow easily -- like in a liquid. Credit Nick Russett Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.