Fig. 1: Heterogeneous ice nucleation on microplastics (MPs) via immersion freezing.
From: Weathering influences the ice nucleation activity of microplastics
a A schematic representation of how MPs could promote atmospheric ice nucleation process via condensation freezing. Beginning with the water uptake by the MP surface due to cooling in the atmosphere, the hydro shell is formed. A gradual decrease in the atmospheric temperature will lead to the ice nucleation and freezing of the hydro shell. b Experimental images of a weathered MP on a substrate gradually cooled showing the water uptake, hydro shell formation and the immersion freezing process. The scalebar in (b) is 20 µm.
