Effect of electric currents on the nucleation of ice crystals in the melt

Abstract The effect of electric currents on the nucleation of ice crystals has been studied. A direct current was applied between two electrodes immersed in supercooled water. The electrode materials used were Mg, Al, Ti, Zr, Co, Ni, Cu, Ag, Pt and Au. A rise of the nucleation temperature was observed when the current was applied. When the ionization tendency of the electrode material is large, the nucleation is apt to occur on the anode, and when it is small, the nucleation occurs on the cathode. It is concluded that cations concentrated at the electrode by the current promote the nucleation.