The element depicted in the movie as a stable, non-radioactive transition element used as a catalyst, conflicts with established scientific principles. According to Mendeleev's periodic law, element 118 has already been synthesized, and every element before 118 is accounted for. Any element discovered after 118 is highly radioactive and has an extremely short half-life, decaying instantly upon synthesis. This makes the concept of stable, new elements such as those in the movie scientifically impossible—a fact any high school chemistry student knows.
Though it's referred to as a "new element," the data suggests it is actually a spherical polymer compound rather than something that can be categorized on the periodic table.
If Zod were to create a genuine new element, its atomic structure would have more protons than the elements currently known. The higher the proton count, the less stable the element becomes, and any artificially created elements with high atomic numbers can only exist for fractions of a second. Moreover, any new element would likely be even more radioactive than the palladium Tony Stark originally used, potentially shortening his life further.
People often misuse the term "isotopes" when discussing new elements. Isotopes have the same number of protons but differ in neutron count. Altering the number of neutrons in a highly radioactive element like palladium wouldn't create a new element, nor would it reduce its radioactivity.
A good rule of thumb: elements that naturally emit light are often radioactive, and new elements glow before even entering a reactor for reactions.
Despite this, Zod miraculously succeeded in synthesizing a new element, throwing him into uncharted scientific territory. He couldn't fathom why it worked, having initially followed the plotline only to disprove its possibility. Yet, the element had been synthesized, much to his own confusion.
Still, with the new element created, Zod opted to name it after himself: Zod Element.
Whenever a new element is discovered, a classification system is required. The original periodic table by Mendeleev set the standard, but this new element couldn't be classified by Earth's or Krypton's systems. Zod had no intention of revealing its molecular composition to the public—he had no need for fame or recognition.
However, to prevent Tony Stark from later claiming the element as his discovery, Zod publicly announced the existence of Zod Element, sharing most of the scientific data, excluding the molecular details. The announcement sent shockwaves through the scientific community, particularly as a new element reactor was developed based on the information. This reactor operated on the principles of cold nuclear fusion.
Zod's announcement brought him into the limelight among the scientific elite, many of whom had previously dismissed his technological innovations—such as secondary kryptonite or advanced weapons systems—as mere military advances. But this? This was an entirely new element.
Some researchers expressed frustration at Zod's decision not to release all the data to the public, citing the potential benefits for humanity. Zod ignored the protests, having no intention of becoming a selfless martyr for science. He registered his patent and continued his work undisturbed.
Urder, a leading figure in the field, marveled at Zod's abilities. A 20-year-old creating a new element? What could he possibly invent next?
Meanwhile, Tony Stark, preparing for his own breakthroughs, was dumbfounded by the news. A new element? He couldn't help but wonder: "Are the younger generations moving too fast?" However, Stark quickly brushed off his doubts. He wasn't one to be easily discouraged. If Zod could create a new element, so could he!
As Zod's reputation grew internationally, some within the U.S. government started paying closer attention. Any notion of meddling with his work was dismissed—geniuses like Zod could revolutionize humanity, and persecution would be counterproductive.
"Sir, we have a new objective," the Black Queen informed Zod during one of his experiments.
"What objective?" Zod asked.
"The Superhuman Project. Subject: Jessica Jones."
Jessica Jones, originally Jessica Campbell, was once a high school classmate of Peter Parker. During a family trip to Disney, a tragic accident occurred when their car collided with a military vehicle carrying radioactive chemicals. Jessica's entire family died from the exposure, but she miraculously survived after months in a coma, awakening with superhuman strength and the ability to fly. After the accident, she was adopted by the Jones family, changing her name to Jessica Jones.
Zod found the circumstances of her mutation intriguing and considered tracking down the military chemicals, though he knew such a task was futile. Instead, his focus shifted to Jessica herself.
At the time, Jessica was still in her coma, awaiting the events that would awaken her during the confrontation between the Fantastic Four and Galactus. However, before any of that could happen, Blade Technology Industries discreetly abducted her. Since she hadn't yet been adopted, she was still Jessica Campbell.
"Black Queen, scan her condition, but don't provoke a reaction," Zod commanded.
His X-ray vision revealed the significant transformations taking place inside Jessica's body.
"Understood, sir," the Black Queen responded as she began compiling a detailed profile on Jessica Campbell's evolving physiology.