Chinese scientists recently took a real-space imaging of interfacial water with sub-molecular resolution. The study was published on the website of Nature on January 5, 2014.

Water - vital to our daily lives- is composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atoms as we were taught in middle school. While, resolving the internal structure, that is, the O–H directionality, of water molecules adsorbed on solid surfaces has been one of the key issues of water science yet it remains challenging.

Studies carried out by Chinese scientists will help people use and change the characteristics of the water. For example, many Chinese scientists are now more concerned about solution to haze in many cities.

Dusts, as important atmospheric condensation nuclei, are usually wrapped with water on its outer surface in the air. The high-resolution imaging technique used in the study might inspire and help environmental scientists deal with PM2.5 dust (particulate matter with diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less). With the help of chemical or physical methods, PM2.5 dust would be settled directly to the ground.