Observation of water molecule formation in real time

Water bubbles formed at the nanometric scale have just been observed for the first time. This discovery could revolutionize the way water is produced in extreme environments.

A team of researchers from Northwestern University succeeded in capturing the formation of these bubbles in real time. The process involves the reaction of hydrogen and oxygen on a surface of palladium, a rare metal.


This phenomenon, observed through an innovative microscopy technique, could accelerate water production under ordinary conditions. Palladium, which catalyzes the reaction, could be employed in arid regions or even in space.


The scientists observed microscopic bubbles appearing on the surface of the palladium. This metal, by expanding its structure to accommodate hydrogen, subsequently promotes interaction with oxygen. This sequence optimizes the speed of water formation.

Based on spectroscopic analyses, the team confirmed that the bubbles observed were indeed composed of water. This marks a turning point in the understanding of atomic-scale chemical reactions.

This method could one day enable water production during space missions. It would only require bringing hydrogen-saturated palladium and simply adding oxygen to generate drinkable water.

Palladium, although expensive, is recyclable and could be reused indefinitely. This sustainable and efficient approach could facilitate deep space exploration.

How does water form at the molecular level?

Water forms when one oxygen atom bonds with two hydrogen atoms. This chemical bond creates a water molecule, symbolized as H₂O.

Hydrogen and oxygen atoms share electrons to establish covalent bonds. This process occurs naturally in various conditions but can also be accelerated by catalysts, such as palladium, in specific environments.

This process is essential to many chemical reactions and to the production of drinkable or industrial water.