Scientific Breakthrough Paves Way for Potential New Element on Periodic Table
25 January 2026 – Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have achieved a crucial milestone in the quest to expand the periodic table, successfully demonstrating a new method that could lead to the creation of element 120, which would be the heaviest atom ever synthesised.
Titanium Beam Breakthrough
In a significant advancement for nuclear chemistry, scientists have for the first time used a beam of titanium-50 ions to create the known superheavy element livermorium (element 116). This proof-of-principle experiment, conducted over 22 days at Berkeley Lab’s 88-Inch Cyclotron, yielded two atoms of livermorium and validates a new approach to synthesising even heavier elements.
The research, initially presented at the Nuclear Structure 2024 conference and subsequently published, represents a fundamental shift in methodology. Previously, elements 114 through 118 were created using calcium-48 beams, but this approach had reached practical limits due to the short-lived radioactive targets required for heavier elements.
“This reaction had never been demonstrated before, and it was essential to prove it was possible before embarking on our attempt to make 120,” said Dr Jacklyn Gates, a nuclear scientist at Berkeley Lab leading the effort. “Creation of a new element is an extremely rare feat. It’s exciting to be a part of the process and to have a promising path forward.”
The Path to Element 120
The successful creation of livermorium with titanium provides the necessary confidence to attempt the synthesis of element 120. The plan involves directing a titanium-50 beam at a target of californium-249. The mathematics is straightforward: titanium (22 protons) plus californium (98 protons) should theoretically yield an atom with 120 protons.
Researchers estimate that creating element 120 would take approximately ten times longer than the 22 days required for livermorium, potentially spanning several years of dedicated experimentation. The team could potentially begin this ambitious attempt once engineering preparations are complete.
Key Facts: The Quest for Heavier Elements
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Current Periodic Table | 118 confirmed elements, completing the seventh row |
| New Method | Titanium-50 beam (previously used calcium-48) |
| Proof Experiment | Created element 116 (livermorium) in July 2024 |
| Target for Element 120 | Californium-249 (98 protons) + Titanium-50 (22 protons) |
| Estimated Timeline | Several years of experimentation required |
| Scientific Significance | Potential access to theorised “island of stability” |
The Island of Stability
Element 120 holds particular interest because it lies near what nuclear physicists call the “island of stability” – a theoretical region where superheavy elements with specific combinations of protons and neutrons might exhibit unusual stability. While currently known superheavy elements decay almost instantaneously, elements in this region could survive long enough for scientists to study their chemical properties in detail.
“We want to figure out the limits of the atom, and the limits of the periodic table,” explained Dr Gates. “The superheavy elements we know so far don’t live long enough to be useful for practical purposes, but we don’t know what the future holds. Maybe it’s a better understanding of how the nucleus works, or maybe it’s something more.”
Educational Resources and Periodic Trends
As research pushes the boundaries of the periodic table, educational resources continue to evolve to help students understand fundamental chemical principles. The Royal Society of Chemistry maintains comprehensive interactive periodic tables that detail element properties, history, and applications.
Understanding periodic trends – patterns in properties like atomic radius, ionisation energy, and electronegativity across periods and down groups – remains fundamental to chemical education. These trends help predict element behaviour and explain why elements in the same group share similar chemical characteristics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What would element 120 be called?
If successfully created and confirmed, element 120 would receive a temporary systematic name and symbol before the discovering team proposes a permanent name. The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) oversees the naming process, which typically honours a scientist, location, mineral, or mythological concept.
Why is this research important?
Beyond expanding the periodic table, this research tests fundamental theories of nuclear physics and helps map the limits of atomic nuclei. Exploring extreme elements provides insights into how atoms behave under conditions not found in nature and could reveal unexpected properties with potential future applications.
How many elements has Berkeley Lab helped discover?
Scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have contributed to the discovery of 16 elements, including technetium (43), plutonium (94), berkelium (97), californium (98), and lawrencium (103), among others.
What are the main periodic trends students should know?
Key trends include: atomic radius decreasing across periods (left to right) and increasing down groups; ionisation energy increasing across periods and decreasing down groups; and electronegativity increasing across periods and decreasing down groups. These patterns help explain element reactivity and bonding behaviour.