IIT-Madras team makes mineral nanoparticles with water
Microdroplets: These are water droplets much smaller than a raindrop, invisible to the naked eye.
Chemical reactions: Despite their size, microdroplets can be very reactive due to the close proximity of water molecules. This allows them to participate in faster and more exotic chemical reactions compared to bulk water.
Electrical properties: Microdroplets can carry electric charges and have a more acidic surface due to the movement of protons within them. This acidic environment further promotes chemical reactions.
Breaking down minerals: The study reveals that microdroplets, when subjected to an electric field, can break down crystals like silica and alumina into nanoparticles.
Possible mechanisms: The breakdown of minerals could be caused by free protons entering the crystal layers, repulsive forces from like charges on the microdroplet surface, or a combination of both.
Applications: These findings have potential implications for various fields:
Origin of life: Microdroplets could mimic proto-cells, offering insights into the early stages of life on Earth.
Agriculture: Supplying soil with silica nanoparticles formed by microdroplets could improve plant growth and potentially revitalize unproductive land.
Future research: The article encourages further investigation into the interaction between microdroplets from atmospheric processes (like mist) and minerals to see if they can naturally generate nanoparticles.
COMMENTS