Si24 (IMAGE) Carnegie Institution for Science Caption The new Si24 allotrope has an open-framework structure comprised of 5-, 6- and 8-membered sp3-bonded silicon rings. Small atoms like sodium (yellow) amd lithium (green), and potentially molecules like water, can readily diffuse through these channels, with potential applications spanning electrical energy storage and molecular-scale filtering. Credit Duck Young Kim Usage Restrictions With credit. 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.