A generally accepted model of the behaviour of water molecules has been disproved

Previously, it was thought that the ions were located at the surface of the solution, creating electric fields that determine the structure of the water at the interface. However, the scientists have disproved the widely accepted textbook model of water behaviour, finding that there is a layer of pure water at the very top, with an ion-enriched layer below it, followed by a bulk salt solution.

The results have important implications for studying the various reactions that occur at the interface between the atmosphere and the ocean, such as how carbon dioxide is absorbed by seawater or how water evaporates. It could also lead to the development of better devices and technologies, such as batteries and energy storage.