Hydrogen-bond (HB) networks govern molecular structure and function across chemistry, biology and materials science, yet their deterministic control at the atomic scale remains a central challenge. Here, we directly visualize and control HB ordering in monolayer ice on graphite by an external electric field and how this control arises from interfacial charge redistribution. Low-temperature scanning tunnelling microscopy reveals a field-driven two-dimensional (2D) liquid-to-solid transition from a mobile, non-wetting water adlayer to an ordered hexagonal monolayer ice. Systematic field variation is accompanied by a continuous change in apparent lattice spacing, while bias-resolved imaging reveals discrete conductance states set by the 2D-ice band edge, exposing coupled structural and electronic responses. At higher fields, we observed a 2D solid-solid phase transition between hexagonal and square ice. First-principles computation and biasdependent imaging support that the 2D transitions and physical effects arise from fieldinduced interfacial charge redistribution, thereby providing a field-tunable parameter for electrically programming HB networks and electronic properties at interfaces.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Doudin et al. (2026) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: