Preparation Mechanism and Application of Innovatively Plasmon-Induced Activated Liquid Water with Reduced Hydrogen-Bonded Structure

Water is the most important solvent in chemistry and biology and displays unique physical properties related to its ability to form hydrogen bonds (HBs). Moreover, liquid water is able to form a flexible dynamic hydrogen-bonded network, in which HBs are broken and formed at equilibrium on a picosecond time scale, thus making investigating its local structure challenging. On the other hand, the effects of the strength of HBs in water molecules on its quantitative properties and corresponding reactivity are less noticed in the literature. Today, all of water’s commonly described properties are related to inert ‘bulk liquid water’ which comprises a tetrahedral hydrogen-bonded network. In fact, the local HB strength of water can be influenced for confined water or interfacial water, but its practical application is limited due to its nano-scale existence. The Mpemba paradox, which is popularly summarized as “hotter water freezes faster than colder water, has baffled many scientists since it was observed in 1963. To date, a well-recognized understanding on this effect remains challenging. To enhance catalytic hydrogen (or oxygen) evolution reaction (HER or OER) from water splitting, now the general strategies are focused on new and cheap catalysts with different chemical compositions and structures. Commonly, the famous physical phenomenon of uncertain Mpemba effect and the well-known chemical reaction of water splitting are related to water’s reactivity. However, hydrogen-bonded structure of water molecules themselves relating to Mpemba effect and water splitting are less investigated in the literature. Recently, we have developed an innovative method to prepare free-standing neutral liquid water with intrinsically reduced hydrogen-bonded structure (RHBS) by utilizing hot electron transfer from localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) on illuminated noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) (ACS Nano, 2014, 8, 2704). The created RHBS water is active and stable. Compared to bulk water with strong HBs, the maximum content of dissolved oxygen and saturated solubility of NaCl in RHBS water are higher. Meanwhile, it demonstrates abilities in scavenging free radicals, inhibiting the production of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric oxide and reducing reaction. Also, innovative strategy with potential to increase hemodialysis (HD) efficiency and safety has been developed utilizing RHBS water (Scientific Reports, 2014, 4, 4425). In addition, the degree of hydrogen-bonded structure in the RHBS water has been successfully quantified by using deconvoluted Raman spectrum (Anal. Chem., 2014, in press). Moreover, the RHBS water exhibits higher chemical potential and lower specific heat of 0.945 cal/g oC. Further experiments indicate that, in green energy, it works on establishing an alternative approach to comprehensively and significantly improve HER (or OER) efficiency in electrolytic water splitting by utilizing RHBS water. It is also successful in efficient preparation H2O2 from reaction of RHBS water and O2. In medicine, rats drinking RHBS water can protect their livers from damage in sleep-deprived experiments. In physic, RHBS water-derived idea on water energy and HBs can provide new insight into uncertain Mpemba effect. It is expected that innovative applications of RHBS water are widely suitable in fields of chemistry, physic, medicine, energy and anti-aging. In our laboratory, we got bounteous experiment experiences and satisfactory relative results on the preparations of noble metal NPs by electrochemical (EC) methods and on the LSPR-related effects. Recently, we are developing technique on the mass-production of active and stable RHBS water and its application in cross fields. This plan aims to prepare noble metal NPs and their nanocomposites based on EC methods. We focus on experimental mechanisms for creating and persisting free-standing RHBS water by using hot electron transfer at room temperature. The unique physical and chemical properties of RHBS water are also investigated. Hopefully, RHBS water-related idea can deliver new insights into chemical and medical studies. In the first year, we study on experimental mechanisms for creating and stabilizing RHBS water by using hot electron decay at room temperature. Unique properties of RHBS water are investigated in details. In addition, we will try to develop an innovative methodology based on deconvoluted Raman spectroscopy of O-H stretching of water (or other instrumental analyses) to quantitatively relate to the corresponding unique performances of prepared RHBS water and its solution. In the second year, we focus on the RHBS water-based innovative application in chemical reaction. For examples, to develop green processes on nano-scale etching and reduction reaction. To enhance catalytic hydrogen (or oxygen) production from water splitting based on different methods. In the third year, we focus on the RHBS water-based innovative application in medicine. For examples, to develop Au NPs-modified dialyzer to prepare RHBS water under resonant illumination for highly efficient and safe in situ HD. To study the health benefits on anti-aging, protecting liver from inflammation-induced damage and normal metabolic regulation. (1) Establishment of mechanisms for creating and stabilizing RHBS water by using hot electron decay at room temperature. (2) Establishment of innovative methodology based on Raman spectroscopy (or other instrumental analyses) to quantitatively relate to the corresponding unique performances of prepared RHBS water. (3) Development of RHBS water-based innovative application in chemical reaction. Development of green processes on nano-scale etching and reduction reaction. (4) Development of RHBS water-based innovative application in green energy to enhance catalytic hydrogen (or oxygen) production from water splitting based on different methods. (5) Development of Au NPs-modified dialyzer to prepare RHBS water under resonant illumination for highly efficient and safe in situ HD. (6) Development of RHBS water-based innovative application in medicine for health benefits on anti-aging, protecting liver from inflammation-induced damage and normal metabolic regulation.