The importance of proton transfer in contact charging

The transfer of protons in contact charging experiments is an example of an ion transfer mechanism and is suggested by the availability and mobility of the H+ ion. In contact charging experiments using metal beads and a resin containing an acidic additive, we find that the metal beads develop a positive charge, and analysis of the bead surface with a proton-specific dye indicates an increased proton content. These results provide confirmation for proton transfer in contact charging as is often suggested.