In a superionic (SI) ice phase, oxygen atoms remain crystallographically ordered while protons become fully diffusive as a result of intramolecular dissociation. Ice VII's importance as a potential candidate for a SI ice phase has been conjectured from anomalous proton diffusivity data. Theoretical studies indicate possible SI prevalence in large-planet mantles (e.g., Uranus and Neptune) and exoplanets. Here, we realize sustainable SI behavior in ice VII by means of externally applied electric fields, using state-of-the-art nonequilibrium ab initio molecular dynamics to witness at first hand the protons' fluid dance through a dipole-ordered ice VII lattice. We point out the possibility of SI ice VII on Venus, in its strong permanent electric field.

Department of Physics and Engineering Physics University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon Saskatchewan S7N 5E2 Canada

Faculty of Science University of South Bohemia Branisovska 1760 Ceske Budejovice 370 05 Czech Republic

School of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering University College Dublin Belfield Dublin 4 Ireland

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