Water nanostructure formation on oxide probed in situ by optical resonances

The dynamic characterization of water multilayers on oxide surfaces is hard to achieve by currently available techniques. Despite this, there is an increasing interest in the evolution of water nanostructures on oxides to fully understand the complex dynamics of ice nucleation and growth in natural and artificial environments. Here, we report the in situ detection of the dynamic evolution of nanoscale water layers on an amorphous oxide surface probed by optical resonances. In the water nanolayer growth process, we find an initial nanocluster morphology that turns into a planar layer beyond a critical thickness. In the reverse process, the planar water film converts to nanoclusters, accompanied by a transition from a planar amorphous layer to crystalline nanoclusters. Our results are explained by a simple thermodynamic model as well as kinetic considerations. Our work represents an approach to reveal the nanostructure and dynamics at the water-oxide interface using resonant light probing.

Download Full-text

Characterization of a green expanded DGT methodology for the in-situ detection of emerging endocrine disrupting chemicals in water systems

Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy ◽

10.1016/j.scp.2021.100450 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 22 ◽

pp. 100450

Author(s):

Helena Iuele ◽

Nicholas Ling ◽

Adam Hartland

Keyword(s):

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals ◽

Water Systems ◽

Endocrine Disrupting ◽

In Situ Detection

Download Full-text

Fabrication process and characterization of AgNPs/PVA/cellulose as a SERS platform for in-situ detection of residual pesticides in fruit

Materials Research Express ◽

10.1088/2053-1591/ab7e6c ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 7 (3) ◽

pp. 035019 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Huong Nguyen Thi ◽

Dai Hai Nguyen ◽

Minh Thanh Vu ◽

Huynh Nhu Tran ◽

Linh Phuong Pham Tran ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Fabrication Process ◽

In Situ Detection

Download Full-text

Methods for in situ detection and characterization of extracellular polymers in biofilms by electron microscopy

Journal of Microbiological Methods ◽

10.1016/j.mimet.2003.11.018 ◽

2004 ◽

Vol 57 (1) ◽

pp. 55-64 ◽

Cited By ~ 19

Author(s):

M. Kämper ◽

S. Vetterkind ◽

R. Berker ◽

M. Hoppert

Keyword(s):

Electron Microscopy ◽

Extracellular Polymers ◽

In Situ Detection

Download Full-text

Direct molecular level characterization of different heterogeneous freezing modes on mica

10.5194/acp-2017-322 ◽

2017 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Ahmed Abdelmonem

Keyword(s):

Molecular Level ◽

Second Harmonic ◽

Ice Nucleation ◽

Oxide Surface ◽

Transient Phase ◽

Weather Modification ◽

Phase Liquid ◽

Nonlinear Signal ◽

Second Harmonic Generation Spectroscopy

Abstract. The mechanisms behind heterogeneous ice nucleation are of fundamental importance to the prediction of the occurrence and properties of many cloud types, which influence climate and precipitation. Aerosol particles act as cloud condensation and freezing nuclei. The surface-water interaction of an ice nucleation particle plays a major, not well explored, role in its ice nucleation ability. This paper presents a real–time–molecular–level comparison of different freezing modes on the surface of an atmospherically relevant metal oxide surface (mica) under varying supersaturation conditions using second harmonic generation spectroscopy. Two sub-deposition nucleation modes were identified (one- and two-stage freezing). The nonlinear signal at water-mica interface was found to drop upon the formation of a thin film on the surface regardless of 1) the formed phase (liquid or ice) and 2) the freezing path (one- or two-step), indicating similar molecular structuring. The results also revealed a transient phase of ice at water-mica interfaces during freezing, which has a lifetime of around one minute. Such information will have a significant impact on climate change, weather modification, and tracing of water in hydrosphere studies.

Download Full-text