Quantized Collision/Fusion Events of Anionic Ionosomes at a Polarized Soft Micro-Interface

Area of Science:

• Colloid and interface science
• Nanoscale electrochemistry
• Electrophysiology and brain sciences

Background:

• Single-entity collisional electrochemistry (SECE) provides physicochemical insights at the single entity level.
• Ionosomes are charged, nanoscopic water clusters encapsulated within an ionic bilayer.
• Understanding ionosome behavior is crucial for advancements in various scientific fields.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the in-situ generation and detection of single anionic ionosomes.
• To explore the fusion dynamics of anionic ionosomes with a micro-ITIES interface.
• To determine factors influencing anionic ionosome behavior and establish a theoretical framework.

Main Methods:

• Utilized single-entity collisional electrochemistry (SECE) coupled with a miniaturized interface between two immiscible electrolyte solutions (ITIES).
• Generated and detected single fluoride (F-) and chloride (Cl-) ionosomes.
• Analyzed discrete spiky ionic currents resulting from ionosome-ITIES collisions/fusions.

Main Results:

• Observed discrete spiky ionic currents upon the fusion of individual F- or Cl- ionosomes with a positively polarized micro-ITIES.
• Demonstrated that the ionosome fusion process follows the bulk electrolysis model.
• Identified critical factors including concentration, charge density of hydrated anions, and interfacial area.

Conclusions:

• Anionic ionosomes share a common theoretical framework with cationic ionosomes.
• SECE with micro-ITIES is a viable method for studying ionosome properties.
• This research advances colloid/interface science, nanoscale electrochemistry, and electrophysiology.