Zeta Potential and surfaces
Most surfaces, coming into contact with liquids, develop a surface charge; near the solid-liquid interface, the so-called electrical double layer is therefore formed, consisting respectively of an immobile and a diffuse layer.
While it is not possible to measure the potential within the immobile layer, measuring the potential in the transition zone between the immobile and diffuse layers is possible by moving the liquid and surface relative to each other, thus separating the ions within of the diffuse layer. The electric potential on this shear plane is called the zeta potential (ζ potential).
If the zeta potential is known, it is possible to estimate whether attractive or repulsive forces occur between two surfaces. In practical terms, the zeta potential can therefore help to answer questions such as: "Will proteins attach to the membrane?" or "How quickly do the surface properties change when a surfactant is added?".
The zeta potential influences the stability of colloidal suspensions and gives an indication of the adhesion between solids. The zeta potential is of great importance in food technology, the development of biomaterials, filtration materials, the textile industry and the preparation of silicon wafers.
For more information about determination of ζ potential, contact us at info@nordtest.it
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