Groundbreaking research discovery reshapes understanding of how atmosphere clears air pollutants and greenhouse gases

A recent paper published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences by researchers from University of California - Irvine describes a previously unknown atmosphere cleaning mechanism; a strong electric field at the surface of airborne water droplets and the surrounding air that can create hydroxyl radical (OH) molecules. OH oxidises air pollutants and greenhouse gases into water soluble products that are washed out of the air, reducing build-up of pollutants in the atmosphere. Previously OH formation was thought to be limited to photochemical or redox reactions from sunlight, and therefore limited to day time.

The discovery has significant implications for air quality models and could be leveraged for solutions to minimise greenhouse gases and air pollution in the atmosphere.

Read about the OH production and concentration experiments at the air/water interface here: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2220228120