Condensing water vapor to droplets generates hydrogen peroxide
Abstract
Water molecules in bulk liquid are stable and inert under ambient conditions. In sharp contrast, we show that the condensation of water vapor in air to form microdroplets on cold surfaces causes the formation of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) which we suggest is promoted by the large, intrinsic electric field at the air–water interface. This finding provides an alternative pathway for the production of atmospheric H 2 O 2 , for example, in raindrops as well as fogs and mists. This easy means of naturally producing H 2 O 2 suggests many interesting possibilities, from the use of condensed steam for disinfection to how water microdroplets might have promoted formation of the building blocks of life in the prebiotic era.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Nov 23, 2020
- Source ID
- 10.1073/pnas.2020158117
Entities
People
- Daniel P Marron
- Fritz B. Prinz
- Hyun Soo Han
- Jae Kyoo Lee
- Richard Zare
- Robert Waymouth
- Settasit Chaikasetsin
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Stanford University