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This work discusses nuclear magnetic relaxation effects in glycerol subject to a strong electric field. The methods used are 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), referenced by 9.4 T nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). While MRI allows a glycerol probe to be sampled with a high voltage (HV) of 16 kV applied to the probe, NMR provides precise molecular data from the sample, but the sample cannot be tested under HV. Using MRI, the recording of magnetic relaxation times was possible while HV was applied to the glycerol. NMR spectroscopy was used to confirm that MRI provides a reasonably accurate estimation of temperature. The applied HV was observed to have a negligible effect on the spin–lattice relaxation time T1, which represents the energy release to the thermal bath or system enthalpy. In contrast to that, the spin–spin relaxation time T2, which does represent the local entropy of the system, shows a lower response to temperature while the liquid is electrically stressed. These observations point toward a proton population in electrically stressed glycerol that is more mobile than that found in the bulk, an observation that is in agreement with previously published results for water.

In this work, we present a feasibility study of integrated optofluidic chips to measure the ionic content in water using differential absorption spectroscopy. The second overtone of the OH-stretch vibration of water is used as indicator for both the type and concentration of the dissolved ions. The optofluidic chips are based on silicon nitride (TripleX) containing Mach&ndash, Zehnder interferometers (MZI) with two 5 cm sensing paths for the sample and reference arms, respectively. Simulations show that, theoretically, the determination of both the type and concentration of a mixture of four electrolytes is possible with the techniques presented. However, the performance of the chips deviated from the expected results due to the insufficient reproducibility and precision in the fabrication process. Therefore, at this early stage, the chips presented here could only determine the ion concentration, but not differentiate between the different ion types. Still, this work represents the first steps towards the realization of an online and real-time sensor of ionic content in water.

An aqueous electrohydrodynamic (EHD) floating liquid bridge is a unique environment for studying the influence of protonic currents (mA cm−2) in strong DC electric fields (kV cm−1) on the behavior of microorganisms. It forms in between two beakers filled with water when high-voltage is applied to these beakers. We recently discovered that exposure to this bridge has a stimulating effect on Escherichia coli.. In this work we show that the survival is due to a natural Faraday cage effect of the cell wall of these microorganisms using a simple 2D model. We further confirm this hypothesis by measuring and simulating the behavior of Bacillus subtilis subtilis, Neochloris oleoabundans, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and THP-1 monocytes. Their behavior matches the predictions of the model: cells without a natural Faraday cage like algae and monocytes are mostly killed and weakened, whereas yeast and Bacillus subtilis subtilis survive. The effect of the natural Faraday cage is twofold: First, it diverts the current from passing through the cell (and thereby killing it); secondly, because it is protonic it maintains the osmotic pressure in the cell wall, thereby mitigating cytolysis which would normally occur due to the low osmotic pressure of the surrounding medium. The method presented provides the basis for selective disinfection of solutions containing different microorganisms., Highlights • Microorganisms survive the exposure to high voltage in an electrohydrodynamic liquid bridge. • A simple 2D model shows a natural Faraday cage effect protecting microorganisms against cytolysis. • The method presented provides a basis for selective disinfection of solutions containing different microorganisms.

Here, we report on the feasibility and use of magnetic resonance imaging-based methods to the study of electrohydrodynamic (EHD) liquid bridges. High-speed tomographic recordings through the longitudinal axis of water bridges were used to characterize the mass transfer dynamics, mixing, and flow structure. By filling one beaker with heavy water and the other with light water, it was possible to track the spread of the proton signal throughout the total liquid volume. The mixing kinetics are different depending on where the light nuclei are located and proceeds faster when the anolyte is light water. Distinct flow and mixing regions are identified in the fluid volumes, and it is shown that the EHD flow at the electrodes can be counteracted by the density difference between water isotopes. MR phase contrast imaging reveals that within the bridge section, two separate counter-propagating flows pass one above the other in the bridge.

We have measured the quasi-elastic neutron scattering (QENS) of an electrohydrodynamic liquid bridge formed between two beakers of pure water when a high voltage is applied, a setup allowing to investigate water under high-voltage without high currents. From this experiment two proton populations were distinguished: one consisting of protons strongly bound to oxygen atoms (immobile population, elastic component) and a second one of quasi-free protons (mobile population, inelastic component) both detected by QENS. The diffusion coefficient of the quasi-free protons was found to be D = (26 ± 10) × 10(-5) cm(2) s(-1) with a jump length lav ∼ 3 Å and an average residence time of τ0 = 0.55 ± 0.08 ps. The associated proton mobility in the proton channel of the bridge is ∼9.34 × 10(-7) m(2) V(-1) s(-1), twice as fast as diffusion-based proton mobility in bulk water. It also matches the so-called electrohydrodynamic or "apparent" charge mobility, an experimental quantity which so far has lacked molecular interpretation. These results further corroborate the proton channel model for liquid water under high voltage and give new insights into the molecular mechanisms behind electrohydrodynamic charge transport phenomena and delocalization of protons in liquid water.

Protein–water interaction plays a crucial role in protein dynamics and hence function. To study the chemical environment of water and proteins with high spatial resolution, synchrotron radiation-Fourier transform infrared (SR-FTIR) spectromicroscopy was used to probe skeletal muscle myofibrils. Observing the OH stretch band showed that water inside of relaxed myofibrils is extensively hydrogen-bonded with little or no free OH. In higher-resolution measurements obtained with single isolated myofibrils, the water absorption peaks were relatively higher within the center region of the sarcomere compared to those in the I-band region, implying higher hydration capacity of thick filaments compared to the thin filaments. When specimens were activated, changes in the OH stretch band showed significant dehydrogen bonding of muscle water; this was indicated by increased absorption at ∼3480 cm–1 compared to relaxed myofibrils. These contraction-induced changes in water were accompanied by splitting of the amide I (C=O) peak, implying that muscle proteins transition from α-helix to β-sheet-rich structures. Hence, muscle contraction can be characterized by a loss of order in the muscle–protein complex, accompanied by a destructuring of hydration water. The findings shed fresh light on the molecular mechanism of muscle contraction and motor protein dynamics.

In 2012 Coey proposed a theory on the mechanism of magnetic water treatment based on the gradient of the applied field rather than its absolute strength. We tested this theory by measuring the effect of very weak field magnets (≤ 10 G) containing strong magnetic inhomogeneities (ΔB = 770 G·m−1 (WCM 62081992) and 740 G·m−1 (WCM 62083545)) on tap water samples by the use of electric impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and laser scattering. Our results show an increased formation of nm-sized prenucleation clusters (dynamically ordered liquid like oxyanion polymers or “DOLLOPs”) due to the exposure to the magnetic field and thus are consistent with Coey’s theory which is therefore also applicable to very weak magnetic fields as long as they contain strong gradients.

We report the energy relaxation of the OH stretch vibration of HDO molecules contained in an HDO:D(2)O water bridge using femtosecond mid-infrared pump-probe spectroscopy. We found that the vibrational lifetime is shorter (~630 ± 50 fs) than for HDO molecules in bulk HDO:D(2)O (~740 ± 40 fs). In contrast, the thermalization dynamics following the vibrational relaxation are much slower (~1.5 ± 0.4 ps) than in bulk HDO:D(2)O (~250 ± 90 fs). These differences in energy relaxation dynamics strongly indicate that the water bridge and bulk water differ on a molecular scale.

Interaction between charged surfaces in aqueous solution is a fundamental feature of colloid science. Theoretically, surface potential falls to half its value at a distance equal to a Debye length, which is typically on the order of tens to hundreds of nanometers. This potential prevents colloids from aggregating. On the other hand, long-range surface effects have been frequently reported. Here we report additional long-range effects. We find that charged latex particles in buffer solutions are uniformly excluded from several-hundred-micron-thick shells surrounding ion-exchange beads. Exclusion is observed whether the beads are charged similarly or oppositely to the particles. Hence, electrostatic interactions between bead and microsphere do not cause particle exclusion. Rather, exclusion may be the consequence of water molecules re-orienting to produce a more ordered structure, which then excludes the particles.

Excess positive and negative Bjerrum-defect like charge (protonic and 'aterprotonic', from ancient Greek ἄ'τeρ, 'without') in anolyte and catholyte of high voltage electrolysis of highly pure water was found during the so-called 'floating water bridge' experiment. The floating water bridge is a special case of an electrohydrodynamic liquid bridge and constitutes an intriguing phenomenon that occurs when a high potential difference (~kV cm−1) is applied between two beakers of water. To obtain such results impedance spectroscopy was used. This measurement technique allows the depiction and simulation of complex aqueous systems as simple electric circuits. In the present work we show that there is an additional small contribution from the difference in conductivity between anolyte and catholyte which cannot be measured with a conductivity meter, but is clearly visible in an impedance spectrum.

Droplets of various liquids may float on the respective surfaces for extended periods of time prior to coalescence. We explored the features of delayed coalescence in highly purified water. Droplets several millimeters in diameter were released from a nozzle onto a water surface. Results showed that droplets had float times up to hundreds of milliseconds. When the droplets did coalesce, they did so in stepwise fashion, with periods of quiescence interspersed between periods of coalescence. Up to six steps were noted before the droplet finally vanished. Droplets were released in a series, which allowed the detection of unexpected abrupt float-time changes throughout the duration of the series. Factors such as electrostatic charge, droplet size, and sideways motion had considerable effect on droplet lifetime, as did reduction of pressure, which also diminished the number of steps needed for coalescence. On the basis of present observations and recent reports, a possible mechanism for noncoalescence is considered.

This work reports on proton production, transport, reduction and neutralization in floating aqueous bridges under the application of a high dc voltage ('floating water bridge'). Recently possible mechanisms for proton transfer through the bridge were suggested. In this work we visualize and describe the production of protons in the anolyte and their neutralization in the catholyte. Apart from that, protons are reduced to hydrogen due to electrolysis. Microbubbles are detached instantly, due to the electrohydrodynamic flow at the electrode surface. No larger, visible bubbles are formed and the system degasses through the bridge due to its higher local temperature. A detailed analysis of trace elements originating from beaker material, anode or the atmosphere is presented, showing that their influence on the overall conduction compared to the contribution of protons is negligible. Finally, an electrochemical rationale of high voltage electrolysis of low ionic strength solutions is presented.

We report on the infrared emission of aqueous bridges under the application of high dc voltage (‘floating water bridge’) over the range between 400 and 2500 cm−1 (4.0–10.3 µm). Comparison with bulk water of the same temperature reveals an additional broad peak at ∼2200 cm−1 as well as water vapour emission lines. Two complementary explanations are presented for the broad peak: first, a cooperative proton transfer comprising an orientational motion along the direction of conduction is suggested. Second, the electrolysis-less current flow is explained by a proton/defect-proton band mechanism, which is in line with the cooperative proton transfer. The water vapour emissions occur due to collision ionization of space charges with micro- and nano-droplets which are electrosprayed from the liquid/gas interface.

When a high-voltage direct-current is applied to two beakers filled with water or polar liquid dielectrica, a horizontal bridge forms between the two beakers. In this work such bridges made of methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol and 2-propanol are investigated with polarimetry and thermography. Whereas methanol, ethanol and 1-propanol bridges become warm like a water bridge, a 2-propanol bridge cools down relative to the surroundings. It is shown how the different stability of the primary and secondary alcoholate ions and the resulting small difference in conductivity between 1-propanol and 2-propanol is responsible for this novel effect.

International audience; When high voltage is applied to pure water filled into two beakers close to each other, a connection forms spontaneously, giving the impression of a floating water bridge [ 1]-[8 ]. This phenomenon is of special interest, since it comprises a number of phenomena currently tackled in modern water science. In this work, the behavior of this phenomenon under reduced gravity conditions during a parabolic flight is presented by the means of high speed imaging with fringe projection. An analysis of the behavior is presented and compared to theoretical considerations. Supplementary video clips for the sequences shown in figs. 2, 4, 5&6 as well as 7&8 are available. Introduction In 1893 Sir William Armstrong placed a cotton thread between two wine glasses filled with chemically pure water. After applying a high voltage, a watery connection formed between the two glasses, and after some time, the cotton thread was pulled into one of the glasses, leaving, for a few seconds, a rope of water suspended between the lips of the two glasses [ 1 ]. As gimmick from early days of electricity this experiment was handed down through history until the present authors learned about it from W. Uhlig, ETH Zürich [ 2 ]. Although easy to reproduce, this watery 2 connection between the two beakers, which is further referred to as 'floating water bridge ' holds a number of interesting static and dynamic phenomena [ 3]-[8 ]. At macroscopic scale several of these phenomena can be explained by modern electrohydrodynamics, analyzing the motion of fluids in electric fields (see, e.g., the Maxwell pressure tensor considerations by Widom et al. [ 9 ], or the text book on Electrohydodynamics by Castellanos [ 10]). On the molecular scale water can be described by quantum mechanics (e.g. [ 11 ], [ 12]). The gap at mesoscopic scale is bridged by a number of theories including quantum mechanical entanglement and coherent structures in water, theories which are currently discussed (e.g. [ 13]-[17 ] for water in general, and [ 18 ] specifically for the water bridge). Previous experiments [ 3 ] suggested a possible change of the water micro structure inside the water bridge ; first neutron scattering experiments [ 5 ] showed no difference in the microdensity of a D 2 O bridge compared to the bulk ; recent 2D neutron scattering experiments [ 6 ] indicated a preferred molecular orientation within a floating heavy water bridge ; detailed optical investigations [ 7 ] suggested the existence of a mesoscopic bubble network within the water bridge ; and a Raman scattering study on vertical water bridges reported on a polarized water structure induced by the electric field [ 19 ]. A comprehensive review about water bridge research was published recently [ 20 ]. The properties of water at mesoscopic scales have drawn special attention due to their suggested importance to human physiology [ 21 ]. In this work, the first reduced gravity experiments with the floating water bridge are presented. The data gathered with high speed imaging and fringe projection are discussed, the overall behavior is described and compared to theoretical considerations. Experimental The experiments were carried out onboard the PH-NLZ Fairchild Metro II Research Aircraft of the NLR (Nationaal Lucht- en Ruimtevaartlaboratorium - The National Aerospace Laboratory of the Netherlands), Hangar 3, Schiphol, on a specially designed set-up (see Fig. 1). All apparatus were mounted on an aluminum alloy plate provided by the NLR using struts and mountings certified for aviation and safe for accelerations up to 9G. The set-up contained a constant current regulated high voltage power supply (0-20kV) with a 250kΩ/500MΩ voltage divider. Instead of beakers two closed bottles with an additional opening in the sidewall were used. The bottles were 3 mounted on a movable stage in order to manually create water bridges of different length. The water bridge was formed between the sidewall openings of the bottles. The bottles were filled with milli-Q water (conductivity < 1µS/cm) up to ~2mm below these openings. For all experiments, the initial temperature of the water was ~19°C, which was the onboard air temperature. Due to the short duration of the experiments (< 1 min), no significant temperature change was to be expected [ 7 ]. As electrode material, 2 x 2 cm² platinum plates were submerged into the water. One electrode was raised to high potential (+20kV), the other was grounded to the aircraft's general ground. A 42nF ceramic capacitor was connected parallel to the electrodes.