The Zeta Potential in Solid Surface Analysis
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The measurement of zeta potential is widely known in the field of colloidal dispersions and helps to predict e.g. the stability of particle suspensions or their tendency to agglomerate.
The zeta potential – also known as the electrokinetic potential – originates from the accumulation of electrical charges at a solid/liquid interface. As an interfacial characteristics the zeta potential is hence influenced by the properties of the solid surface and the surrounding liquid.
Besides the characterization of colloidal dispersions the zeta potential is of high importance for the understanding of the behaviour of macroscopic solids in many technical applications. As an indicator for surface charge the zeta potential gives information about adsorption or adhesion processes, the existence of acidic and basic surface groups, and related properties.
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