Vortex rings in pure water under static external electric field

Abstract

The reproducible development of vortex rings in pure water under the action of a static external electric field is demonstrated. The phenomenon results from the electrochemical decomposition of water. Given the low conductivity of water in the absence of electrolyte, the field-driven buildup of hydroxide ions at the anode becomes essential to the proton release, which in turn is the result of the molecular O2(g) evolution. Water recombination processes, which have protons flowing in a hydroxide background, as a key ingredient produce the phenomenon.