Core Insights - The article discusses a revolutionary explosive technology called all-nitrogen anionic salt, which is significantly more powerful than traditional explosives like TNT, with a potential explosive power 10 to 100 times greater, and produces only nitrogen gas as a byproduct, eliminating pollution [1][3][12] Group 1: Technology Overview - All-nitrogen anionic salt operates by breaking the stable nitrogen molecules (N₂) under extreme conditions, allowing for a release of energy that surpasses traditional explosives [3][5] - The technology is based on creating an unstable "cage structure" of nitrogen atoms that releases energy when detonated, resulting in a clean explosion with no harmful residues [3][5] Group 2: China's Advancements - China has achieved significant breakthroughs in the synthesis and stabilization of all-nitrogen materials, transitioning from theoretical concepts to practical applications [5][11] - The first successful synthesis of all-nitrogen anionic salt was reported by a team from Nanjing University of Science and Technology in 2017, marking a pivotal moment in the field [5] - The development of "metallic nitrogen" by Chinese scientists has enabled large-scale production, facilitating the transition of this technology from laboratory to practical use [5][11] Group 3: Military Applications - The all-nitrogen explosive can enhance conventional weapons, allowing for increased explosive power or reduced size, making missiles more effective and harder to intercept [7] - It presents a new strategic option termed "sub-nuclear deterrence," providing significant destructive capability without the political ramifications of nuclear fallout [7][11] Group 4: Aerospace Potential - All-nitrogen materials could revolutionize rocket propulsion, offering higher specific impulse than current best fuels, enabling longer and heavier payload missions [9] - This advancement could make ambitious space exploration goals, such as manned missions to Mars, more feasible by improving fuel efficiency and payload capacity [9][11]