Water in the atmosphere can accumulate electrical charges from dust particles and droplets of other liquids, and transfer the charges to other materials it comes into contact with, Fernando Galembec of the University of Campinas in Brazil has found. “We are calling this ‘hygroelectricity,’ meaning ‘humidity electricity,'” he said.

Galembeck and colleagues conducted laboratory experiments that simulated water’s contact with dust particles in the air. They used tiny particles of silica and aluminum phosphate, both common airborne substances, showing that silica became more negatively charged in the presence of high humidity and aluminum phosphate became more positively charged.

In the future, he said, it may be possible to develop collectors to capture hygroelectricity and route it to homes and businesses. Hygroelectrical panels would work efficiently in areas with high humidity, such as the northeastern and southeastern United States and the humid tropics.

Galembeck said that a similar approach might help prevent lightning from forming and striking. He envisioned placing hygroelectrical panels on top of buildings in regions that experience frequent thunderstorms. The panels would drain electricity out of the air, and prevent the building of electrical charge that is released in lightning. His research group already is testing metals to identify those with the greatest potential for use in capturing atmospheric electricity and preventing lightning strikes.

More info: American Chemical Society news