We are immersed and surrounded by microscopic water drops. They can be the result of coughing, sneezing which involves pollution and virus infection. As early as 2019, they discovered that water droplets can form significant quantities hydrogen peroxide. The same fragile acidic substance used to whiten hair or disinfect wounds. Now researchers have shown that the spontaneous formation of hydrogen peroxide comes in contact with solid surfaces. It may play an important role in seasonal flu.
When water splits into such small droplets, it is no longer stable but its behavior changes. It means that every drop will have a much bigger share than yours external molecules compared to that in a glass. Hydrogen peroxide is formed in the outwardly exposed surface. This is what was proven by Jianghan University chemist Bolei Chen, Stanford University chemist Richard Zare and colleagues.
The researchers used a dye that glows in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). This was also produced with droplets hitting nine other solids, including soil and finer dust floating in the air. The amount of H2O2 also appears to increase with humidity. Where do the droplets steal the extra oxygen atom from? To get an answer, the researchers treated the surface of the glass with an 18O, a heavy oxygen isotope.
The droplets used the surface of the 18O glass to form hydrogen peroxide. Chen and the team were able to measure a flowing electrical current from solid to liquid over time with the dye’s increasing glow. Therefore, it was confirmed that the exchange of electrons took place in a process called contact electrification. Hydroxyl radicals have been formed.
Contact electrification provides a chemical basis to partially explain why there is seasonality in viral respiratory diseases.
Richard Zare, a chemist at Stanford University
The heat and increased humidity in summer that small amounts of hydrogen peroxide bring with them are an additional obstacle to circulating pathogens. The cool, dry winter air, on the other hand, could be of little benefit to the virus in its spread.
Source: Lega Nerd
I am Bret Jackson, a professional journalist and author for Gadget Onus, where I specialize in writing about the gaming industry. With over 6 years of experience in my field, I have built up an extensive portfolio that ranges from reviews to interviews with top figures within the industry. My work has been featured on various news sites, providing readers with insightful analysis regarding the current state of gaming culture.
