If there is a chemical formula that almost everyone knows, it is the formula for water. From a very early age we knew that its molecules were made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atomH2O. It is also known how to decompose an already formed water molecule into individual hydrogen and oxygen atoms. In fact this method, known as hydrolysisvery useful for producing green hydrogen which is used as fuel. It would be logical to think that the reaction of water formation is just as simple. However, despite all the simplicity, this has always been a headache for science.
This is why the video that was recently recorded by a group of scientists from the university is so interesting. Northwestern University. It documents the formation of water at the molecular level for the first time in history. Training, which, in addition, was achieved in artificialso it could have some very interesting applications.
From the very beginning of the special race, much attention was paid to the search for water in space. Not only because it could indicate the present or past existence of life. And also because this water can be used for future space travelers they are stocking up. This is something quite difficult to find. Therefore, if astronauts could produce their own water, it would be a complete advantage. Urine is currently recycled, but making it from scratch would be even better. This may seem like science fiction; But now, space travelers may finally have a chance learn to do it.
Catalyst for water formation reaction
Some chemical reactions require something known as catalyst. These are molecules that speed up reaction speed to the extent that substrates can come into contact to form products. Without that necessary spark, it won’t happen. enzymes, For example, these are proteins that catalyze certain chemical reactions.
The reason it has been so difficult to get the reaction to form water until now is because of the need for a catalyst. It was known that a rare metal element called palladiumcould perform this function. However, the mechanism was not fully understood, so it was not easy to reproduce.
For this reason, these scientists tested different conformations and, in addition, proceeded to write them down on the nanoscale. That is, to capture particles one millionth of a millimeter in size.
Mechanism revealed
To produce the water-forming reaction, these scientists placed samples of palladium in very small honeycomb-shaped reactors, on the order of nanometers in size. In turn, these nanoreactors were enclosed in ultra-thin glass membranes.
Once this reaction support was prepared, we began the intake. oxygen and hydrogen inside the membrane. Meanwhile, the process was recorded using high-vacuum transmission electron microscopes, capable of capturing minute details.
Thus, they saw that hydrogen atoms were embedded in palladium plates, separating their own atoms and intercalating with each other. Soon after this some water bubbles began to form on the palladium surface. The authors of the study believe that these are water bubbles. smallest ever recorded. But this is not the only achievement. They were able to see how this metal catalyzes the reaction of water formation. Hydrogen sticks to it and comes into contact with oxygen. This is something similar to what happens with enzymes in which the reaction substrates fit like a key to a lock.
What is the point of knowing the reaction of water formation in this way?
As we mentioned earlier, knowing the reaction to form water can be very helpful in synthesizing this precious liquid as needed. For example, this would be very interesting not only for astronauts, but also drought something we are likely to encounter in the future.
Palladium is a very expensive element, but it does not wear out or deteriorate when it catalyzes a reaction. In this way, used membranes can be reused again and again. You would only need replenish gasesbut both hydrogen and oxygen are very common gases in the air. They surround us constantly.
We’ll have to investigate further; but for now we have something very interesting. Who was going to tell us when we learned the formula of water that we could see it form on video?
Source: Hiper Textual
