Thanks to the new technique, scientists for the first time directly observed nano-sized water bubbles formed with palladium metal as a catalyst.
A research team from Northwestern University, Illinois, developed a new method to observe and analyze gas molecules in real time, IFL Science reported on October 1. The method involves trapping gas molecules in a honeycomb-shaped nanoreactor using an ultrathin glass membrane, then observing with a high-vacuum transmission electron microscope.
Using a new technique, the team investigated a mystery that has existed for hundreds of years: how the rare metal palladium acts as a catalyst and rapidly creates water from hydrogen and oxygen. New research published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
As a result, the research team was surprised to see hydrogen enter the palladium, then a nano-sized water bubble formed. “We think this may be the smallest bubble ever formed and observed directly. This was not what we expected. Luckily, we recorded it,” lead author Yukun Liu of the study, said.
In addition to photographic evidence, the team of experts also analyzed the bubble using Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) – a technique that India’s Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft used to confirm the presence of water above. The Moon – at the nano scale.
“By directly observing the water generation process at the nanoscale, we were able to determine the optimal conditions for rapid water generation under environmental conditions. These findings have important implications for applications.” practical, for example helping to create water quickly in deep space using gas and metal catalysts without the need for extreme reaction conditions,” Vinayak Dravid, senior author of the study, added.
The team also found that the order in which hydrogen and oxygen are introduced significantly affects the rate at which palladium creates water. Specifically, adding hydrogen first, then oxygen, gives the fastest reaction rate. Because hydrogen atoms are so small, they can squeeze between palladium atoms, causing the metal to expand. After filling the palladium with hydrogen, scientists added oxygen.
In addition to observing this process on a microscopic scale, the new research could also lead to better water production techniques. One area where this technique is expected to play an important role is space travel. With hydrogen-filled palladium, astronauts only need to add oxygen to create drinking water. Water is an essential resource in missions to visit or establish bases on distant planets.