Formation of dipole-oriented water films on mica substrates at ambient conditions

We present results of surface potential measurements of ice and water films condensed on mica surfaces in the temperature range of -26 degrees C to 19 degrees C. These results indicate the growth of dipole-oriented ice and wa ter films giving rise to electrical potentials of up to -50V at the surface . We propose that this is due to the growth of surface induced ferroelectri c ice. The results are significant because the films are in equilibrium wit h the vapor at temperatures that are commonly present on earth and ill the atmosphere. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.