Mechanism for the efficient homogeneous nucleation of ice in a weakly-ionized, ultra-cold plasma. (arXiv:2205.02839v1 [physics.plasm-ph])
<a href="http://arxiv.org/find/physics/1/au:+Bellan_P/0/1/0/all/0/1">Paul M. Bellan</a>
It is proposed that the rapid observed homogeneous nucleation of ice dust in
a cold, weakly-ionized plasma depends on the formation of negative hydroxyl
ions by fast electrons impacting water molecules. These OH$^{-}$ ions attract
neutral water molecules because of the high dipole moment of the water
molecules and so hydrates of the form (OH)$^{-}$(H$_{2}$O)$_{n}$ are formed.
The hydrates continuously grow in the cold environment to become macroscopic
ice grains. These ice grains are negatively charged as a result of electron
impact and so continue to attract water molecules. Because the hydroxyl ions
are negative, unlike positive ions they do not suffer recombination loss from
collision with plasma electrons. Recombination with positive ions is minimal
because positive ions are few in number (weak ionization) and slow-moving as
result of being in thermal equilibrium with the cold background gas.
It is proposed that the rapid observed homogeneous nucleation of ice dust in
a cold, weakly-ionized plasma depends on the formation of negative hydroxyl
ions by fast electrons impacting water molecules. These OH$^{-}$ ions attract
neutral water molecules because of the high dipole moment of the water
molecules and so hydrates of the form (OH)$^{-}$(H$_{2}$O)$_{n}$ are formed.
The hydrates continuously grow in the cold environment to become macroscopic
ice grains. These ice grains are negatively charged as a result of electron
impact and so continue to attract water molecules. Because the hydroxyl ions
are negative, unlike positive ions they do not suffer recombination loss from
collision with plasma electrons. Recombination with positive ions is minimal
because positive ions are few in number (weak ionization) and slow-moving as
result of being in thermal equilibrium with the cold background gas.
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