Context: This study explores the formation of sediments and minerals in nature by lookin at how charged droplets lead to changes in surface tension setting off forces that tear micro sized particles suspended in the droplet to for nanoparticles. This could explain formation of sand and sediments, also this could be the beginning of exploration of synthesis of nanomaterials using charged water droplet.
TLDR: The study “Spontaneous Weathering of Natural Minerals to Form Nanoparticles in Charged Water Microdroplets” explores how minerals like quartz and ruby can rapidly break down into nanoparticles within charged water microdroplets. This process may accelerate mineral breakdown and nanoparticle formation, impacting soil formation and environmental processes. The study uses experiments and first-principles density functional theory calculations to understand the fragmentation process. The research underscores the potential implications of this phenomenon on weathering processes, soil formation, and natural nanoparticle production. It also suggests the need to explore the role of atmospheric droplets in mineral weathering processes.
The article titled “Spontaneous Weathering of Natural Minerals to Form Nanoparticles in Charged Water Microdroplets” explores a fascinating phenomenon where common minerals like quartz and ruby undergo rapid disintegration into nanoparticles within charged water microdroplets. This spontaneous weathering process sheds light on the potential role of microdroplets in accelerating mineral breakdown and nanoparticle formation, which could have significant implications for soil formation and environmental processes.
The study conducted experiments using natural minerals and their synthetic analogs to investigate the fragmentation of minerals in charged microdroplets. The researchers optimized experimental parameters such as spray voltage, tip-to-collector distance, and particle loading to achieve efficient fragmentation of minerals. They observed that the electric field generated by the spray voltage played a crucial role in breaking the surface tension and forming charged microdroplets that facilitated mineral disintegration.
By using first-principles density functional theory calculations, the researchers delved into the mechanisms underlying the formation of quartz nanoparticles from larger particles. They explored the effects of reduced size, electric field, and pH on processes like cleavage and slip in bulk and terminated slabs of SiO2. The results provided insights into how the interplay of these factors contributes to the fragmentation of minerals into nanometer-sized particles.
capillary with a 50-mm inner diameter, and (iii) the conducting substrate at a
distance of L = 1.5 cm from the tip of the emitter.
(b) A photograph of the natural
quartz. (C) Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) image of
ground and separated natural quartz used for electrospray, showing that the
size range of particles is between 1 and 5 mm. A few smaller particles that
are naturally adhered to the micron-sized particles remain attached even
after ultrasonication. (D) TEM image of natural quartz after electrospray with
a high-resolution image of a particle shown in the inset. The plane shown is
(110), where d is lattice spacing.
The experimental setup involved electrospraying mineral suspensions onto a substrate, with the deposited particles exhibiting strong adherence. X-ray diffraction measurements confirmed the presence of quartz nanoparticles with an average diameter of approximately 16 nm. The researchers achieved a collection efficiency of around 80% for the electrospray setup, highlighting the effectiveness of the process in generating nanoparticles from mineral precursors.
The study also emphasized the importance of understanding the phenomenon of mineral fragmentation in charged microdroplets for its potential implications on weathering processes, soil formation, and the production of natural nanoparticles. The researchers proposed that the disintegration of minerals in microdroplets could lead to the generation of nascent surfaces that participate in catalytic reactions, influencing chemical and biological evolution on Earth.
Furthermore, the article discussed the significance of exploring the role of naturally occurring atmospheric droplets in mineral weathering processes. The researchers highlighted the need to investigate how microdroplets, composed of nanoparticles and molecules, contribute to weathering and the production of natural nanoparticles. This unexplored aspect of weathering could have implications for understanding the chemical and biological evolution of the planet.
This study provides valuable insights into the spontaneous weathering of natural minerals to form nanoparticles in charged water microdroplets. By elucidating the mechanisms and optimizing experimental conditions for mineral fragmentation, the researchers have advanced our understanding of rapid weathering processes and the potential role of microdroplets in nanoparticle formation. This research opens up new avenues for studying the interactions between minerals, water microdroplets, and environmental processes, with implications for fields such as geochemistry, soil science, and catalysis. Additionally it might be interesting to see if functional nanomaterials could be synthesized using this technique.
References: https://www.science.org/doi/full/10.1126/science.adl3364
