Scientists have long been interested in the question of protons moving through water in an electromagnetic field. Scientists now have some insight into this phenomenon 200 years later.
Theodor Grotthuss proposed a hypothesis in 1806, which became the “Theodor Grotthuss Hypothesis”. Grotthuss mechanismFor “proton jumping”, about how a charge might flow through water.
While Grotthuss’s hypothesis was very forward-thinking for its time – coming before protons, or even the actual structure of water, were even known about – modern-day researchers have long known that it didn’t provide a complete understanding of what happened at a molecular level.
These latest findings could help solve the mystery of the electronic structures that hydrate protons have so far remained mysterious.
These findings show that protons travel through water in “trains” of three water molecules. Tracks are built in front of each train to keep it moving and then pulled up when it stops.
This loop can continue indefinitely to transport protons throughout water. The idea of transporting protons through water has been proposed before. However, the study authors have found a new molecular structure that is more compatible with the Grotthuss solution.
“Grotthuss mechanism and nature of proton solvation water in water debates have heated up, as this is one the most fundamental challenges in chemistry.” says chemist Ehud PinesThe Ben-Gurion University of the Navev in Israel.
Because it combines theory and experimentation, the new study is captivating. Recent technological advances made this possible. Researchers used the following: X-ray absorption analysis spectroscopy(XAS), experiment to see how proton charge affects electrons in single oxygen atoms.
The impact of the water molecules had the greatest effect, but to different degrees on each molecule. The trimeric cluster is located within. Researchers discovered that three molecules form chains with the proton when they are combined.
Researchers also used chemical simulations and quantum-level calculations to calculate the interactions between protons, water molecules, and other protons as protons move through liquid.
“Understanding the mechanism is pure science. It pushes the boundaries of our knowledge, changing one of our fundamental understandings about one of nature’s most significant mass and charge transport mechanisms.” Pines.
This discovery is a catalyst for many other things Other chemical processesPhotosynthesis, cell respiration and energy transport in hydrogen fuel cars are all examples.
It’s not just the solution that’s notable but also how the researchers were able to get to it – testing and validating theoretical predictions against experimental results, and vice versa, in a long, winding process that has taken almost two decades from beginning to end.
“Everyone has thought about this issue for over 200 years. It was a sufficiently challenging problem to me to choose to tackle it.” Pines. “Seventeen year later, I’m gratified to have most likely found and demonstrated the solution.”
The research was published in Angewandte Chemie International Edition.
