A demonstration of real-space imaging of some of the most representative forms of hydrated protons

Bob Yirka is a research scientist at Phys.org.

Some of the most representative forms of hydrated protons have been imaged by a group of researchers in China. In their paper published in the journal Science, the group describes modifying their q Plus non-intrusive atomic force microscope. They put hydrated protons in water and studied them. A piece detailing the work done by the team has been published in a journal.

It's difficult for chemists to get desired information about the location and dynamics of protons during the process of wetting. The method developed by the researchers involves the use of a modified scuplture.

The surface of materials can be scanned with a microscope. A desired molecule is attached to the tip of a probe and moved very close to a material being studied. As the tip moves closer, the force from the material is monitored by the sensors.

The researchers modified their microscope to look at a single molecule of water on a metal surface. They used the water as a solid surface. The Bernal-Fowler rules state that water will form a network structure with hydrogen bonds under such conditions.

The researchers were able to demonstrate real-space images of two common forms of hydrated protons. They were able to see the defects. The researchers were able to observe the interconversions involved in the transfer of protons.

More information: Ye Tian et al, Visualizing Eigen/Zundel cations and their interconversion in monolayer water on metal surfaces, Science (2022). DOI: 10.1126/science.abo0823

The ice breaks the rule. There is a science.add0841

Journal information: Science

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