New research shows that oil and water can be combined

When oil and water are mixed under extreme pressure, the oil molecules are absorbed into the process of dissolution . The researchers were able to dissolve water and methane into a small box under the pressure of the deep seabed.

The most recent experiments - details in Science Advances - can help scientists understand how the chemicals react under extreme conditions, such as those found deep in the heart. Land or in other planets.

Methane is often used in experiments as a material with hydrophobic molecules, like oil.

To achieve extremely high pressure levels, the researchers pressed the molecules between the anvil points (avil points) of the two diamonds. Using this technique, scientists achieved a high pressure level of about 20000 Bars (pressure units), 20 times the pressure at the bottom of the Mariana groove.

Researchers have observed that water molecules remain the same size under extremely high pressure and methane molecules become much smaller, allowing them to be absorbed.

'These interesting findings help explain how hydrophobic materials work under high pressure, such as those found on the ocean floor or in planets' . John Loveday, a researcher at the University of Edinburgh, said in a press release. 'This can bring many applications in areas such as replacing expensive and environmentally harmful solvents.'