Distance to massive metal body -- a paradoxical parameter that regulates the intensity of the hydration of YBa$_2$Cu$_3$O$_{6.75}$

TL;DR

This study investigates how the proximity of a non-magnetic, non-charged metal disk influences the hydration process of YBa2Cu3O6.75, revealing a paradoxical inhibitory effect and a specific distance of maximum sensitivity.

Contribution

It introduces the novel finding that a nearby metal body can significantly affect the hydration of YBCO, suggesting electromagnetic radiation as a potential mediator.

Findings

Significant inhibitory effect of metal disk on YBCO hydration.

Existence of a specific distance where hydration sensitivity peaks.

Potential electromagnetic mediation of the observed effect.

Abstract

As known, external fields can have a noticeable effect on a number of processes such as recombination of radicals, processes occurring in biological systems, some processes of adsorption, etc. However, there are no any mentions in literature about the impact on chemical processes of non-magnetic and non-charged bodies which do not have direct contact with the reagents. In the current study we examine the effect on the hydration of YBa2Cu3O6.75 (YBCO) of a closely placed non-magnetic and non-charged steel disk. For this purpose we utilize a previously developed special method of material preparation that has been published earlier. The resulting material we analyze by the iodometric titration technique, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Conducting the experiment on a large number of the YBCO samples being hydrated at different distances from the disk clearly indicates a significant inhibitory effect of this factor. We find that there is a certain distance from the surface of the metal body, at which the hydration process achieves maximum sensitivity to the metal presence. At this stage of research, it is assumed that the mediator, with the aid of which the influence on the hydration process occurs, might be electromagnetic radiation emanating from the YBCO samples during their hydration and reflected from the surface of metal.