New experimental data and a new model of the Workman-Reynolds potential

•New experimental data on the Workman-Reynolds potential in pure water have been obtained.•A new physical model of the phenomenon is proposed, based on the capture of protons and hydroxide ions by interstices.•The model provides a semi-quantitative explanation for experimental data in pure water and dilute solutions. New experimental data are obtained on the Workman-Reynolds potential during freezing of water and on the electric current from an external source through the ice-water interface during ice melting. A new model of the phenomenon is proposed, which takes into account the capture of protons and hydroxide ions by charge traps, which are the interstices of the ice lattice. The model provides a semi-quantitative explanation of the observed features of the phenomenon.