Charge Separation at the Evaporation (Condensation) Front of Water and Ice. Charging of Spherical Droplets

Charge separation at evaporation (condensation) front of water and ice is analyzed. Relatively low distribution coefficient of protons and hydroxide ions between vapor and condensed phase that is less than the distribution coefficient of water molecules leads to accumulation of protons and hydroxide ions at the phase front upon evaporation and a decrease in the amount of such species upon condensation. Interphase charge separation is caused by the subsequent diffusion of nonequilibrium protons and hydroxide ions. The charge separation is also affected by the double electric layer generated by orientation defects at the water and ice surfaces. Dependences of electric field at a plane surface of water and ice on the rate of phase transformation are calculated. Electric charges of spherical water droplets are estimated at different field strengths and droplet radii.