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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.

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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.

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.