Surface Chemistry

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 Surface Chemistry

Adsorption
y The term adsorption was introduced by
Scheele during the discovery of uptake of Definitions
gases by charcoal.
y Adsorption was discovered by Kayser and The phenomenon of adherence
Raymonds. of liquid or gaseous molecules
y The substance on which another substance is on the surface of a solid by
adsorbed is called an adsorbent or interface, physical or chemical processes
for example, solid Al2O3, charcoal, silica gel, is termed as adsorption.
clay, colloids and metals in finely divided
states.
y The substance which gets adsorbed on the
adsorbent is called adsorbate.

Concept Ladder

Š Air becomes dry

Surface Chemistry

Features of Adsorption (moisture free) on silica

y Adsorption is highly specific and selective in gel as silica gel adsorbs
nature. H2O molecules.

1.
Surface Chemistry

2.
y It is a spontaneous process, so ∆G, ∆H, ∆S
are negative.
y It is fast and exothermic. For example, silica Concept Ladder
gel adsorbs H2O and inert gases CO2, NH3, Cl2,
SO2 get adsorbed on charcoal. Š In positive adsorption,
y Dyes can be adsorbed on animal charcoal. the concentration of the
y When adsorption and absorption occur adsorbate is more on the
simultaneously it is called sorption. surface of the adsorbent
than in bulk.
Absorption Š In negative adsorption,
It occurs throughout the body of the absorbing the concentration of the
material and is therefore a slower process. adsorbate is less relative
It is an endothermic process (∆H positive).
to its concentration in
For example, anhydrous CaCl 2 absorbs water,
bulk.
accompanied by a decrease in temperature.
Occlusion
The adsorption of gases on the surface of
metal is known as occlusion. For example, H2
gas on palladium surface.
Definitions
Types of Adsorption
Physical adsorption Desorption
y Here molecules are attracted to the surface It is reverse of adsorption,
by weak van der Waals forces. that is, removal of adsorbed
y e.g., Charcoal adsorbs SO2. substance from the surface of
y It is less specific as all gases are adsorbed on the adsorbent.
metals to some extent.
y It is reversible in nature.


Solid + Gas 
 Gas / Solid+ Heat
y Adsorption ∝ Liquification of gases.
y It is exothermic in nature. So observed at low
temperatures.
y Here, adsorption energy is low. (20–40) kJ/ Rack your Brain
Mole.
y It decreases with temperature. What is relation between
Adsorption and liquification of
gas?
Surface Chemistry

3.
 y Here, multiple layers are formed.
y Here, adsorption ∝ surface area
Concept Ladder
y Here, activation energy barrier is absent. e.g.,
Adsorption of N2 on Mica. That is why finely divided
metals and porous
substances are good
adsorbents due to larger
surface area

Chemical adsorption (activated adsorption)

y Here, molecules are held on the surface by
strong chemical bonds.
y e.g., H2 adsorbed on metals due to hydride Rack your Brain
formation.
y It is very specific in nature. Where does chemical adsorption
occur?
y It is irreversible in nature.
y Adsorption energy is high in this case. (80–
240 kJ/Mole)
y It is an endothermic process.
y First, it increases with temperature then
decreases.
Previous Year’s Question

Which one of the following

characteristics is associated with
adsorption? [NEET]
(1)  DG and DH are negative but DS
is positive.
(2) DG and DS are negative but DH
y Here, a unimolecular layer is formed.
is positive.
y Adsorption ∝ Surface area
Surface Chemistry

(3) DG is negative DH and DS are

y Activation energy barrier needs to be
positive.
overcome for this process to occur.
(4) DG, DH and DS all are negative.
Adsorption of O2 on Tungsten, H2 on Nickel.

4.
 Concept Ladder

Rate of adsorption is high

Factors Effecting Adsorption
at the begning and then
Nature of gas or adsorbent
decreases till equilibrium
Adsorption ∝ Critical temperature of the gas α
is attained.
Liquation of the gas
For example, (NH3, Cl2, HCl) > (N2, O2, H2)
Effect of pressure
At constant temperature:
Adsorption ∝ Pressure
Effect of temperature
1
Adsorption ∝
Temperature
Surface area of adsorbent: Larger the surface
area of adsorbent, more will be the number
Previous Year’s Question
of active centres and faster will be the rate of
adsorption.
Activation of solid adsorbent: When adsorbent
is subdivided or already adsorbed gases are Which is not correct regarding the
removed, the adsorbent becomes activated and adsorption of a gas on surface of
the rate of adsorption increases. a solid? [AIPMT]
Adsorption isotherm: It is a plot between the (1) On increasing temperature
extent of adsorption (x/m) vs pressure at constant adsorption increases
temperature. continuously.
Here, x = Mass of gas adsorbed (2) Enthalpy and entropy change
m = Mass of adsorbent is negative
(3) Adsorption is more for some
specific substance.
(4) it is a reversible reaction.
Surface Chemistry

5.
 Freundlich adsorption isotherm
At low pressure the graph is almost straight
x Concept Ladder
∝P
m
x Freundlich adsorption
= KP applicable only for physical
m
Here, K = Constant. adsorption because it
x considers multimolecular
At high pressure becomes almost constant layer of adsorption.
m
and does not change with pressure
x x
∝ P° or =KP°
m m
At intermediate value of pressure
1
x
∝ Pn
m Rack your Brain
1
x
= KPn
m Why Freundlich adsorption is
(n > 1) unable to explain the degree of
Here n is a constant, which depends upon the adsorption is constant at higher
nature of adsorbate and adsorbent. pressure?
The value of K and n can be determined as
follows: On taking logarithm of equation (1) we
get
x 1 Previous Year’s Question
log
= e
log e K + log e P
m n
Thus, on plotting a graph between loge x/m and
The correct option representing
loge P, a straight line is obtained.
a Freundlich adsorption isotherm
1 
Here, =slope 1= / n 0 to 1  ; Intercept = loge K is  [NEET]
n 
x
(1)  = kp0.3
m
x
(2) = kp2.5
m
x
(3) = kp−0.5
Surface Chemistry

m
x
(4) = kp−1
m

6.
If concentration is used in place of pressure
1
x n
= KC
m
Previous Year’s Question
Langmuir adsorption isotherm
x aP
= In Freundlich adsorption
m 1+b P isotherm, the value of 1/n is

x aP  [AIPMT]
/P =
m 1+b P (1)  between 0 and 1 in all cases
On reversing the equation, we get, (2) between 2 and 4 in all cases
(3) 1 in case of physical absorption
P 1+b P 1 b
= = + P (4) 1 in case of chemisorption.
x /m a a a
Here a, b are constants when a graph is plotted
between
P
and P
x /m
It is a straight line, in which the slope is equal to
Rack your Brain
b/a while intercept is equal to 1/a.

Which purification technique will

be used to purify pigments and
hormones?

The plots of x/m vs temperature at constant

pressure are called adsorption isobars.
Uses of Adsorption Concept Ladder
1. Charcoal is used in the production of high
vacuum.  roth floatation method
F
2. 
In the preparation of gas masks using used for concentration of
activated charcoal to avoid poisonous gases sulphide ores, is based on
like CO, CH4. adsorption.
3. 
Silica gel and alumina gel can be used to
remove moisture and to control humidity.
Surface Chemistry

4. Animal charcoal removes colour of solution

by adsorbing coloured impurities.
5. Coconut charcoal is used to separate mixture
of inert gas.

7.
 6. Zeolite (Na2Al2Si2O8.xH2O) softens water by
adsorbing CaCl2 .
7. Adsorption chromatography is used to purify Definitions
and separate pigments, hormones.
8. Many drugs are used to kill germs by getting
Catalyst is a substance which
absorbed on them.
changes the rate of any reaction
and this phenomenon is called
Catalysts
catalysis.
y The term catalyst was coined by Berzilius.
y A catalyst cannot initiate or complete a
reaction.
y A catalyst is effective in small amount.
For example,
600K
2KClO3  → 2KCl + 3O2
Catalyst
MnO2 Rack your Brain

Homogenous Catalysis
Here, reagent and catalyst have same physical Explain optimum temprature?
state or phases.
NO(g)
2SO2 (g) + O2 (g)  → 2SO3 (g)
HCI(I)
CH3COOCH3 (I) + H2 O(I)  → CH3COOH(I) + CH3 OH(I)

Catalysis
Here, reagent and catalyst have different
physical state or phases. Here the catalyst is
mostly in a solid powdered form and the catalysis
is called surface catalysis.
For example,
Pt(s)
2SO2 (g) + O2 (g)  → 2SO3 (g)
Fe(s) Concept Ladder

N2 (g) + 3H2 (g)  2NH3 (g)
Pt(s) A catalyst affects the rate
4NH3 (g) + 5O2 (g)  → 4NO(g) + 6H2O(g)
of a reaction but itself
Features of a Catalyst remains unchanged in
y A catalyst remains unchanged in mass, mass and properties at the
chemical composition at the end of a reaction. end of the reaction.
y The activity of a catalyst depends upon
Surface Chemistry

the extent of chemical adsorption, that is,

8.
 adsorption should be moderately strong but
not extremely strong.
y A catalyst is highly specific in nature, that is, it
can catalyse a particular reaction but can be Concept Ladder
ineffective for others. This is called specificity
of catalyst. A catalyst is effective in
For example, enzyme invertase can catalyse small quantity, for example,
hydrolysis of sucrose, but not that of maltose. 1 g colloidal platinum can
catalyse the degradation of
108 litres of H2O2.

y Catalyst is most effective in solid powered
Definitions
form due to a larger surface area, that is,
more number of active centres. It is the ability of a catalyst to
y Catalyst changes activation energy direct the reaction in such a
requirement of a reaction by taking alternative way so that only one particular
paths for reaction. product is formed, this is called
y A catalyst is more effective at a particular selectivity of a catalyst.
temperature which is called optimum
temperature.
Catalyst Promoter or Activators
A promoter or an activator in itself is not a
catalyst, however its presence increases the
effectivity of a catalyst. For example, in the
following reactions Cr2O3 and copper act as
catalyst promoters respectively.
ZnO(C) Concept Ladder
CO + 2H2 →
Cr O
CH3OH
2 3

Vegetable oil 

Ni(C)
→ Vegetable ghee A catalyst cannot affect
Cu
the position of equilibrium
Catalyst Poison but can set up equilibrium
Surface Chemistry

Catalyst poison is not a catalyst in itself but quickly.

it decreases or destroys the activity of a catalyst.
For example,

9.
 Types of Catalysts
Positive catalyst: It increases the rate of a reaction
by decreasing the activation energy requirement Concept Ladder
for a reaction by making the reaction proceed via
an alternative path. Few examples which show Presence of As2O3 reduces
this characteristic are listed below: the Pt–Asbestos activity
Pt in contact process for the
2H2O  → 2H2O + O2
MnO
manufacture of H2SO4.
2KClO3 
2
→ 2KCl + 3O2
Pt
4NH3 + 5O2 
300°C
→ 4NO + 6H2O
NO
2SO2 + O2  → 2SO3
VO
2SO2 + O2 
2 5
Pt
→ 2SO3
Cu Cl
4HCl + O2 →
2 2
2Cl 2 + 2H2O Previous Year’s Question
°
45 C
Ni
CO + 3H2  → CH4 + H2O
Which one of the following
Ni
Vegetable oil 
Cu
→ Vegetable ghee statements is not correct?
ZnO
CO + 2H2  → CH3OH  [NEET]
Cr O2 3
(1)  The value of equilibrium
Negative catalyst: It decreases the rate of a constant is changed in the
reaction by following an alternative path with presence of a catalyst in the
higher activation energy requirement. Few reaction at equilibrium.
examples are illustrated below: (2) enzymes catalyse mainly
Alchol
2Na2SO3 + O2  → 2Na2SO4 biochemical reactions.
or ace tanilide
(3) Coenzymes increase the
Glycerine
2H2O2  → 2H2O + O2 catalytic activity of enzyme.
Diphenylamine
2C6H5 − CHO + O2  → 2C6H5 − COOH (4) Catalyst does not initiate any
2CHCl 3 + O2 
→ 2COCl 2 + 2HCl 2 reaction.

Here ethyl alcohol acts as negative catalyst to

check the oxidation of chloroform. It also converts
poisonous phosgene into non-poisonous diethyl
carbonate. Rack your Brain

Auto catalysts: In some reactions, one of the What is the role of ethyl alcohol
product acts as a catalyst. Such reactions are to detect the oxidation of
slow in the beginning but become faster as they chloroform?
Surface Chemistry

proceed. For example,

10.
CH3COOC2H5 + HOH 
→ CH3COOH + C2H5OH
Auto catalyst
5H2C2O4 + 2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4 
→ 2MnSO4 + K2SO4 + 10CO2 + 8H2O
Auto catalyst
2Cu + 2HNO3 
→ Cu2O + HNO2
Auto catalyst
Concept Ladder
Induced catalyst: In some cases, one reaction
acts as a catalyst for another reaction, for H2S or CO reduces activity
example, sodium sulphite acts as an induced of iron catalyst in Haber
catalyst for the oxidation of sodium arsenite. process.
Na2 AsO3 + O2 
→(No Reaction)
But, 2Na2SO3 + O2 
→ 2Na2SO4
So, Na2 AsO3 + Na2SO3 + O2 
→ Na2 AsO4 + Na2SO4
Acid base catalysts: The H+ and OH– ions also act
as catalyst, so these are known as acid and base
catalysts respectively, for example,
+
H
C12H22O11 + H2O → C6H12O6 + C6H12O6
Sugar Glucose Fructose
OH−
CH CHO + H.CH2CHO 
3
→ CH3 − CH(OH) CH2 − CHO
Acetaldehyde β−hydroxy butyric aldehyde

Shape selective catalysts or zeolites: Zeolites Rack your Brain

are the most common type of shape selective
catalysts. Their shape selectivity depends upon What is the substance that
the pore structure of the catalyst. The pore sizes retards the oxidation of sodium
vary between 260 to 740 pico metres. sulphid in the presence of air?

1. ZSM(5) that is, zeolite sieve of porosity 5 is

Hx (AlO2)x (SiO2)96 – x .16 H2O
It is used to convert alcohols into
hydrocarbons. (Gasoline)
2. Germiniliti [Na2Ca(AlO2)2(SiO2)4.6H2O]
3. Erionite [Na2K2Ca Mg (AlO2)2 (SiO2)2 .6H2O]
Theories of Catalysis
Surface Chemistry

Compound formation theory: According to this

theory, one of the reactants combines with the
catalyst to form an intermediate product, which
carries out the remaining part of the reaction.

11.
 A + C 
→ AC (Intermediate compound)
AC + B 
→ AB + C
A + B + C 
→ AB + C Concept Ladder
Here A and B are reactants, C is the catalyst and The general formula of a
AC is the intermediate product. Few examples zeolite is:
are listed below: Mx/n [(AlO2)x(SiO2)y], H2O
4KClO3 + 2MnO2 
→ 2KMnO4 + 2KCl + Cl 2 + 4 O2 Here M = Metal ions like K+
2KMnO4 
→ K2MnO4 + MnO2 + O2 or M+2, Ca+2
K2MnO4 + Cl 2 
→ 2KCl + MnO2 + O2 n = Valency of metal cation
MnO
m = Number of molecules
or 2KClO3 
2
→ 2KCl + 3O2 of water of crystallization.
More examples:
1. Freidel Crafts reaction
→(R+ )(AlCl 4 )−
R − Cl + AlCl 3 
C H −H
(R+ )(AlCl 4 )− →
6 5
R − Cl + AlCl 3

2. R − OH + H.HSO4 
→ R − HSO4 
R −OH
→ R − O − R + H2SO4
3. 2NO(g) + O2 (g) 
→ 2NO2 (g)
NO2 (g) + SO2 (g) 
→ SO3 + NO Previous Year’s Question
4. 2MnO2 + 2KCl 
→ 2KMnO4 + Cl 2 + O2
According to the adsorption
2KMnO2 
→ K2MnO2 + MnO2 + O2
theory of catalysis, the speed of
Cl
K2MnO4 
2
→ 2KCl + MnO2 + O2 the reaction increases becasue.
Adsorption theory: According to this theory,  [AIPMT]
reactants are adsorbed on the surface of (1) the concentration of reactant
the catalyst and forms a film. Due to high molecules at the active
concentration of the reactants on the film, centres of the catalyst
reaction proceeds at a faster rate. becomes high due to
Most of the catalysts are used in solid powdered adsorption.
form and they have a large surface area on which (2) In the process of adsorption,
the active centers are present. At these centres, the activation energy of the
the reactant molecules get collected and form molecules becomes large.
unstable bonds. Soon the reactants molecules (3) Adsorption produces heat
undergo chemical combination to give the which increases the speed of
Surface Chemistry

desired products. The products leave the surface the reaction.

as soon as they are formed, so that new reactant (4) Adsorption lowers the
molecules can be adsorbed on the catalyst activation energy of the
reaction.

12.
surface. In this way, the process goes on till the
reaction is complete or attains equilibrium.

sModern adsorption theory: According to this

theory, reactants are adsorbed at the active
centers, that is, free valencies on the solid surface
of the catalyst and form an activated complex,
which under strain, forms new molecules and
leaves the surface. Rack your Brain
Energy of activation theory: A catalyst changes
and lowers the value of activation energy needed Why a finely divided catalyst has
for the reaction, which can now be easily crossed greater activity?
by the reactants and consequently products are
formed.
Surface Chemistry

Enzyme Catalyst or Biochemical Catalyst

y Enzymes are complex organic nitrogenous
compounds produced by living plants or
animals in their cells.

13.
 y These are high molecular mass, globular
protein molecules.
y Enzymes are highly efficient and increase the
rate of reaction by 108 –1020 times. Concept Ladder
y Enzyme catalysts are highly specific in nature.
For example, urea’s enzyme can catalyse The non-protein component
hydrolysis of urea but not of n-methyl urea. of an enzyme is called a
y Enzyme catalysts are more effective at co-factor.
a particular temperature (37°C) and at a
particular pH 7.4.
y Enzymes act like catalyst in many chemical
and biochemical process.
y Optimum temperature range is 298 – 310 k
and pH range is (5 – 7).

A few examples:
Invertase
1. C12H22O11  → C6H12O6 + C6H12O6
Cane Sugar Glucose Fructose
Rack your Brain
Zymase
C6H12O6 
→ 2C2H5OH + 2CO2
Diastase
2. 2(C6H10O5 ) n+ H2 O 
Maltose
→ nC12H22O11 Can a catalyst increase the yield
Starch
H2O
of the reaction?
3. C12H22O11 
Maltase
→ C6H12O6
Mycoderma
C2H5OH + O2 
aceti
→ CH3COOH + H2O
Lactobacilli
4. Milk  → Curd

Q.1 How is adsorption of a gas related to its critical temperature?

A.1 Higher is the critical temperature of a gas, greater is the ease of liquefaction,
i.e., greater are the van der Waals forces of attraction and hence greater is
the adsorption.

Q.2 Name two physical quantities that remain unaffected when a reversible
reaction is carried out in the presence of a catalyst.
Surface Chemistry

A.2 Equilibrium constant and enthalpy change.

14.
 Some Industrial Catalytic Process

S.NO Process Catalyst used

1. Haber’s process for the manufacture of Finely divided iron,

ammonia. Molybdenum as


N2 + 3H2 
 2NH3 promoter. Conditions: 200
atmosphere pressure and
450–500°C temperature.

2. Ostwald process for the manufacture of Platinized asbestos.

nitric acid Temperature 300°C
4NH3 (g) + 5 O2 (g) 
→ 4NO (g) + 6H2 O (g)
2NO (g) + O2 (g) 
→ 2NO2 (g)
4NO2 (g) + 2H2 O(I) + O2 (g) 
→ 4HNO3 (I)

3. Lead chamber process for the manufacture Nitric oxide

of sulphuric acid.


2SO2 (g) + O2 (g) 
 2SO3 (g)
SO3 (g) + H2 O(I) 
→ H2SO4 (I)

4. Contact process for the manufacture of Platinized asbestos or

sulphuric acid. vanadium pentoxide (V2O5).


SO2 (g) + O2 (g)  Temperature 400°C–450°C
 2SO3 (g)
SO3 (g) + H2 SO4 (I) 
→ H2S2O7 (I)
Oleum

H2S2O7 (I) + H2 O(I) 

→ 2H2SO4 (I)

5. Deacon process for the manufacture of Cupric chloride (CuCl2)

chlorine. Temperature 500°C
4HCl(g) + O2 (g) 
→ 2H2O(I) + 2 Cl 2 (g)

6. Bosch process for the manufacture of Ferric oxide (Fe2 O3)

hydrogen. + Chromic oxide as a
promoter. Temperature
Surface Chemistry

CO + H2 + H2O(g) 
→ CO2 (g) + 2H2 (g)
400°C–600°C
Water gas

15.
 S.NO Process Catalyst used

7. Synthesis of methanol. Zinc oxide (ZnO) + Chromic

oxide as a promoter.
CO(g) + 2H2 (g) 
→ CH3OH(I) Pressure 200 atmosphere
and temperature 250°C

8. Hydrogenation of vegetable oils. Nickel (finely divided) +

Copper as a promoter
Vegetable oil(l) + H2 (g) 
→ Vegetable ghee(s) Temperature 150–200°C
and high pressure.

9. Manufacture of ethyl alcohol by fermentation Invertase enzyme and

of molasses (sugar solution). zymase (yeast) enzyme
Temperature 25°C–30°C
Conversion occurs in 2 or 3
days.

10. Manufacture of ethyl alcohol from starch. Germinated barley

Diastase (diastase enzyme)
Starch  → Maltose Temperature 50°C–60°C.
Maltose Zymase
Maltose  → Glu cose  → Alchol Yeast (maltase and zymase
enzymes).
Temperature 25°C–30°C.

11. Manufacture of acetic acid from ethyl Mycoderma aceti.

alcohol. Temperature 25°C–30°C.
C2H5OH(l) + O2 (g) 
→ CH3COOH(I) + H2 O(I)

12. Bergius process for the synthesis of petrol Ferric oxide (Fe2O3)
form coal. Temperature 475°C
pressure.
Coal + H2 (g) 
→ Mixture of hydrocarbons
Surface Chemistry

16.
Co-enzyme: It is not a catalyst itself but increases
activity of enzyme catalysis. Metal ions like Na+ ,
Mn+2, O+2, Cu2+ can act as co-enzymes. Concept Ladder

Lock and key hypothesis as a mechanism of Co-enzyme is a small non-

enzyme action: A number of cavities are present protein (Vitamin) is present
on the surface of enzymes. These cavities have along in enzyme, and this
specific shapes and groups like –NH2 –COOH, enhanced the catalytic
–OH etc. These are active centres on enzyme activity.
surfaces. Here ‘key’ (reagent or substrate) fits
in the ‘lock’, that is, the active site of catalyst
to give an intermediate complex, which changes
into product and the enzyme catalyst is released.
R


E + S 
 E − S →E + P
Activated
Complex

Q.3 Why is the ester hydrolysis slow in the beginning and becomes faster after
some time?

A.3 The ester hydrolysis takes place as follows:

RCOOR ' + H2 O   RCOOH + R ' OH
Ester Waster Acid Alcohol
Surface Chemistry

The acid produced in the reaction acts as catalyst (autocatalyst) for the
reaction. Hence, the reaction becomes faster after some time.

17.
 Concept Ladder
Colloidal State
Thomas Graham (1862) studied the process of
Substances like sugar,
diffusion of dissolved substances through a
urea, common salt, which
parchment paper and animal membrane and
readily pass through the
divided substances into two classes:
membrane while in the
1. Crystalloids
dissolved state are called
2. Colloids
crystalloids.

S.No. Property True solution Colloidal state Suspension

1. Nature Homogeneous Heterogeneous Heterogeneous

1 to 100 nm or 1
Less than 1 More than 100 nm
× 10–7 to
2. Particle size nm that is, or more than 1 ×
1 × 10–5 cm or
10–7 cm or 10Å 10–5 cm or 1000Å
10–1000Å

No effect, No effect, Particles settle

Effect of gravity
Surface Chemistry

3. particles do particles do when solution is

on particles
not settle. not settle left undisturbed

18.
 S.No. Property True solution Colloidal state Suspension

Passes Pass
unchanged unchanged Does not pass
through filter through filter through filter
4. Filterability paper as well paper but not paper or animal
as animal or through animal and vegetable
vegetable or vegetable membranes
membranes membranes

Diffuses
5. Diffusion Diffuse rapidly Does not diffuse
rapidly

Particles are Particles are Particles are

completely invisible to the visible to naked
6. Visibility invisible and naked eye, but eye and under a
thus do not they scatter microscope and
scatter light light they scatter light

Generally
Appearance of Clear and
7. clear and Opaque
solution transparent
transparent

Affects Does not affect Does not affect

Colligative
8. colligative colligative colligative
properties
properties properties properties

9. Tyndall effect Not exhibited Exhibited Not exhibited

They can be
They can be
coagulated
coagulated by They are not
10. Coagulation by adding
adding suitable coagulated
suitable
electrolytes
electrolytes

y Substances like starch, glue, gelatin, which in

the dissolved state either did not pass at all Concept Ladder
or passed very slowly through the membrane
Surface Chemistry

were called colloids. Colloidal state is an

y A colloid is heterogeneous system of intermediate state
two immiscible phases one of which is a between solution and
continuous phase and is called dispersion suspension.

19.
 medium (external phase) while the other is a
discontinuous phase called dispersed phase
(Internal phase).
Colloidal Systems

Dispersed Dispersion
Colloidal system Examples
phase medium

Soap sols, lemonade froth,

Gas Liquid Foam or froth
whipped cream

Pumice stone, styrene foam,

Gas Solid Solid foam
foam rubber, Dried sea foam

Fog, clouds, mist fine insecticide

Liquid Gas Aerosols of liquids
sprays

Liquid Liquid Emulsions Milk, cold cream, tonics

Cheese, butter, boot polish, table

Liquid Solid Gels
jellies

Solid Gas Aerosols of solids Smoke, dust, haze

paints, starch dispersed in water,

Solid Liquid Sols
gold sol, muddy water, inks

Ruby glass, gem stones,

Solid Solid Solid sols
minerals.

Classification of Colloids
Colloids can be classified in a number of
Concept Ladder
ways based upon some of their important
characteristics.
Based upon appearance When the dispersion
y A colloidal system in which the dispersion medium is alcohol
medium is a liquid or gas is called sol. They are or benzene, they are
Surface Chemistry

called hydrosols or aquasols if the dispersion accordingly called alcosols

medium is water. or benzosol.
y Colloidal systems in which the dispersion
medium is a gas are called aerosols.

20.
21.
Surface Chemistry
 Colloidal systems in which the dispersion
medium is a solid are called gels, for example,
cheese.
Based upon charge Concept Ladder
The colloids can be classified into positive or
negative colloids according to the charge present Colloids of metal hydroxides
on the dispersed phase particle. are generally positively charged
Based on interaction or affinity of phase while colloids of metal sulphides
y Lyophilic colloids (Suspensoid): The colloidal are negatively charged.
systems in which the particle of dispersed
phase have great affinity for the dispersion
medium, are called lyophilic (solvent loving)
colloids. Some common examples of lyophilic
colloids are gum, gelatin, starch, rubber and
protein.
y Lyophobic colloids (Emulsoid): The colloidal
systems in which the particles of the
dispersed phase have no affinity for the
dispersion medium are called lyophobic
Rack your Brain
(solvent hating) colloids. Some examples of
lyophobic colloids include sols of metals and
their insoluble compounds like sulphides and What is Emulsoid?
oxides.
y Based on molecular size: Depending upon the
molecular size, the colloidal system has been
classified into three classes:
y Multimolecular colloids: The multimolecular
colloidal particles consist of aggregate of
atoms or small molecules with diameters
less than 10–9 m or 1 nm. For example, gold
sol, sulphur sol.
y Macromolecular colloids: The macromolecular Previous Year’s Question
colloidal particles themselves are large
molecules. They have high molecular weights Fog is a colloidal solution of
varying from thousands to millions. Examples  [NEET]
of naturally occurring macromolecules are (1)  solid in gas
starch, cellulose and proteins. Example of (2) gas in gas
Surface Chemistry

artificial macromolecules are polyethylene, (3) liquid in gas

nylon, polystyrene, dacron, synthetic rubber (4) gas in liquid
and plastics.

22.
y The associated colloids or micelles: These
colloids behave as normal electrolytes
at low concentrations but colloids at
higher concentrations because at higher
concentrations, (Above C.M.C.) and above
kraft temperature they form aggregated
(associated) particles called miscellas. Soap
and synthetic detergents are examples of
associated colloids. They furnish ions which
may have colloidal dimensions.

 − +
RCOONa 
 RCOO + Na
Difference Between Lyophilic and Lyophobic Sols

S.No Property Lyophilic sols Lyophobic sols

1. Nature Reversible Irreversible

They can be prepared

They can be prepared
very easily by shaking or
by special methods and
warming the substance with
2. Preparation addition of stabilizer
dispersion medium. They do
is essential for their
not require any electrolyte
stability
for stabilization.

They are generally

They are very stable and
unstable and get easily
3. Stability are not easily coagulated by
coagulated on addition of
electrolytes.
electrolytes

Particles may carry no

Colloidal particles have
charge or very little charge
4. Charge characteristic charge
depending upon the pH of
(positive or negative).
the medium

Viscosity is nearly the

Viscosity is much higher than
5. Viscosity same as that of the
that of the medium
medium.
Surface Chemistry

Surface tension is nearly

Surface Surface tension is usually
6. the same as that of the
tension less than the medium
medium

23.
 S.No Property Lyophilic sols Lyophobic sols

The colloidal particles

Migration in The particles may or may not migrate either towards
7.
electric field migrate in an electric field cathode or anode in an
electric field

8. Solvation Particles are highly solvated Particles are not solvated

The particles though

The particles cannot be seen
9. Visibility invisible, can be seen
under ultra-microscope
under ultra-microscope.

10. Tyndall effect Less distinct More distinct

They have high osmotic

They have relatively higher
pressure, small
osmotic pressure, high
depression of freezing
Colligative depression of freezing point,
11. point, less elevation
electrolyte high elevation in boiling point
of boiling point, and
and high lowering of vapour
less lowering of vapour
pressure.
pressure

Large amount of electrolyte Small amount of

Action of
12. is required to cause electrolyte is sufficient to
electrolyte
coagulation. cause coagulation

Due to their sensitivity in

electrolyte, conductivity
They show high conductivity
13. Conductivity can rarely be measured
which can be measured.
over a considerable range
of concentration

The measurement of It can be easily

14. Cataphoresis
cataphoresis is difficult measured.

Most of the organic Generally inorganic

Surface Chemistry

substances for example, substances for example,

15. Examples
starch, gums, proteins, metal sols, sulphides and
gelatin. oxides sols.

24.
 The long-chain RCOO– ions associate or
aggregate at higher concentration and form
micelles and behave as colloids. They may
contain 100 or more molecules. Some cationic
surfactants like also behave micelles above kraft
temperature and critical micelles concentration.

For example,
(1) Cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide Concept Ladder
[CH3 (CH2 )15 N+ (CH3 )3 Br] Sodium stearate

C17H35COONa (Anionic
(2) p-dodecyl benzene sulphonate Surfactant) is an example
of an associated colloid.
In water it gives Na+ and
(3) Cetyl Pyridinium chloride stearate, (C17H35COO–) ions.
Surface Chemistry

These ions associate to

form micelles of colloidal
(4) Sodium lauryl sulphate size.
CH3(CH2)4 SO4 Na

25.
 Preparation of Lyophilic Sols
Substances which are termed as intrinsic
colloids such as gelatin, rubber and starch, are Concept Ladder
converted into colloidal solutions when warmed
with water or some other suitable solvent. The Blood is a colloidal
colloidal solutions thus obtained are called solution. In case of kidney
failure, blood cannot
lyophilic sols. Such sols are reversible and quite
be purified. Under such
stable.
condition, the blood is
Preparation of Lyophobic Sols separated from dissolved
Substances which are termed as extrinsic toxic impurities by dialysis
colloids such as metals, do not pass directly into and re-introduced in the
colloidal solution when treated with water or blood stream.
other solvents. Such substances are converted
into colloidal solutions by the following two
methods:
y Dispersion methods
y Condensation methods
Rack your Brain
Dispersion method
These methods involve the breaking down of To which colloidal system does
bigger particles to the size of colloidal particles. mist belong?
The various dispersion methods are:
1. 
Mechanical dispersion method: The coarse
particles of the substance to be dispersed
are agitated with dispersion medium, that
is, water or some other liquid, to obtain a
suspension. The suspension is then passed
through a colloidal mill. For example, colloids Previous Year’s Question
of paint, varnish.
2. Electro-disintegration method (Bredig’s Measuring zeta potential is useful
arc method): Colloidal solutions of metals in determining which property of
colloidal solution?  [NEET]
like gold, silver or platinum are obtained by
(1)  Viscosity
electro-disintegration method. (Bredig’s arc
(2) Solubility
method). In this method, the metals (Pt, Ag, (3) Stability of the colloidal
Surface Chemistry

Cu) whose colloidal solution is to be prepared particles

are taken as electrodes and are dipped in the (4) Size of the colloidal particles
cold-water having KOH (Stabilizer).

26.
 Concept Ladder

Electro-dispersion method
is not suitable when the
dispersion medium is an
organic lqiuid.

Rack your Brain

3. Peptization: The process which involves the
conversion of fresh precipitates into colloidal What are the causes of
solution is called peptization. The electrolyte peptization?
added is called peptizing agent or dispersing
agent.
y For example, to a freshly precipitated solution
of ferric hydroxide changes into colloid when
a small amount of electrolyte ferric chloride
is added.

Concept Ladder
y Peptization may be carried out by the
following ways: The colloidal solution of
(a) By dispersion medium silicic acid is also obtained
(b) By washing a precipitate by hydrolysis of dilute
(c) By electrolyte solution of sodium silicate
Cause of peptization: On adding the electrolyte with 4N hydrochloric
Surface Chemistry

to the freshly precipitated substance, the acid which is added drop

particles of the precipitate preferentially adsorb by drop with constant
a particular type of ions of the electrolyte and stringing.

27.
 get dispersed due to electrostatic repulsion. This
produces particles of the colloid.
Fe(OH)3 + Fe3+ 
→ Fe(OH)3 Fe3+ Concept Ladder
Pr ecipitate Colloidal sol

Condensation methods: These methods involve Lyophilic colloids such as

the growing of size of the dispersed phase starch, gelatin, etc., act as
to the size of colloidal particles. The various protective colloids.
condensation methods used are:
y Chemical methods
y Physical methods
Chemical methods
1. By double decomposition: A colloidal solution
of arsenious sulphide may be obtained by
passing hydrogen sulphide gas through cold
dilute solution of arsenious oxide in water.
Rack your Brain
As2O3 + 3H2S 
→ As2S3 + 3H2O
Intense yellow colloidal
solution
Which property can be used to

The solution of arsenious sulphide is distinguish collidal solution from
negatively charged because sulphide ions are true solution?
absorbed on the solution particles.
2. By hydrolysis: A deep red colloidal solution of
ferric hydroxide is prepared by the hydrolysis
of ferric chloride when its dilute solution is
boiled with water.
FeCl 3 + 3H2O 
→ Fe(OH)3 + 3HCl
Deep red colloidal
solution
Previous Year’s Question
3. By oxidation: A colloidal solution of sulphur
is obtained by the oxidation of hydrogen Which one of the following
sulphide with dilute nitric acid or bromine method is commonly used
water or sulphur dioxide. method for destruction of
H2S + 2HNO3 
→ 2H2O + 2NO2 + S colloid? [NEET]
Colloidal
(1) Dialysis
4. By reduction: A colloidal solution of gold is
(2) Condensation
obtained by the reduction of gold chloride
(3) Filteration by animal
with stannous chloride or formaldehyde or
membrane
Surface Chemistry

hydrazine.
(4) By adding electrolyte
2AuCl 3 + 3SnCl 2 
→ 3SnCl 4
+ 2Au
Purple of cassius

28.
Physical methods
1. By exchange of solvent: Substances like
sulphur, resin and phenolphthalein which Previous Year’s Question
are highly soluble in alcohol or some other
organic solvent yield colloidal solutions when When a few typical solutes are
their solutions in alcohol or other solvents are separated by a particular selective
poured into water, in which the substances membrane such as protein
are less soluble. The colloidal solutions thus particles, blood corpuscles, this
obtained are less stable. process is called. [AIPMT]
2. By passing the vapour of substance through (1) transpiration
solvent: Colloidal solutions of substances like (2) endosmosis
sulphur and mercury in water, are prepared (3) dialysis
by passing the vapours of the substance (4) diffusion
in cold water containing a little amount of
ammonium citrate as a stabilizing agent.
3. By excess cooling: The colloidal solution of ice
in an organic solvent like ether or chloroform
is obtained by freezing a solution of water in Rack your Brain
the solvent.
Purification of Colloidal Solutions Can a colloidal solution conduct
electricity?
The following methods are commonly used
for the purification of a sol:
Dialysis: The process of removing a dissolved
substance from the colloidal solution (system) by
means of diffusion through a suitable membrane
is called dialysis and the apparatus used for this Previous Year’s Question
purpose is known as dialyser (parchment paper
or animal membrane). Which mixture of the solutions
will lead to the formation of
negatively charged colloidal [AgI]
sol? [NEET]
(1)  50 mL of 0.1 M AgNO3 + 50 mL
of 0.1 M KI
(2) 50 mL of 1 M AgNO3 + 50 mL
of 1.5 M KI
(3) 50 mL of 1 M AgNO3 + 50 mL
Surface Chemistry

of 2 M KI
(4) 50 mL of 2 M AgNO3 + 50 mL
of 1.5 M KI

29.
 Electrodialysis In this process, dialysis bag
is surrounded by two electrodes. When a high
potential is applied, the cation and anion of
the electrolyte are attracted by the oppositely
charged electrodes and the impurities are easily Definitions
and quickly removed from the colloidal solution
(sol). By this method we can not remove non- The process of dialysis can be
electrolyte impurities. accelerated by applying an
Ultrafiltration: The process of separating the electric field. This process is
colloidal particles from the solvent and solute called Electrodialysis.
using specially prepared filters which are
permeable to all substances present, except
colloidal particles, is called ultrafiltration. For it,
we use cellophone membrane (4% solution of
Nitro cellulose in Alcohol and ether i.e., collodion
solution)

Properties of Colloidal Solutions

The various properties of colloidal solutions are: Concept Ladder
y Physical properties
y Mechanical properties Ultra filtration is a slow
Surface Chemistry

y Optical properties process. To speed up

y Electrical properties the process, pressure or
y Colligative properties suction is used.

30.
Physical properties
1. Heterogeneity: Colloidal solutions are
heterogeneous in nature consisting of two
Concept Ladder
phases, viz., the dispersed phase and the
dispersion medium. Experiments like dialysis
2. Filterability: Colloidal particles readily pass- and ultra-filtration indicate
through ordinary filter papers as the size of the heterogenous nature of
the pores of the filter paper is larger than that the colloidal system.
of the colloidal particles.
3. Non-setting nature: Colloidal solutions
are quite stable as the colloidal particles
remain suspended in the dispersion medium
indefinitely, that is, there is no effect of gravity
on the colloidal particles.
4. Colour: The colour of the colloidal solution
is not always the same as the colour of the
substances in the bulk. The colour of the Rack your Brain
colloidal solution depends upon the following
factors: The brownian movements is due
(a) Size and shape of colloidal particles to?
(b) Wavelength of the source of light
(c) Method of preparation of the colloidal
solution
5. Stability: Colloidal solutions are quite stable.
For example:
(a) 
Finest gold is red in colour (has a very
small particle size) as the size of particles
increases, it becomes purple.
(b) Dilute milk gives a bluish tinge in reflected Concept Ladder
light while it gives a reddish tinge in

The way an observer
transmitted light.
receives the light, that is,
Mechanical properties
whether by reflection or by
1. Brownian movement: Colloid particles
transmission.
exhibit a ceasless random and swarming
zig-zag motion in dispersal medium known
as Brownian movement (shown for the first
time by Robert Brown). The dispersal medium
Surface Chemistry

particles forms a colloid with the dispersed

phase particles, as a result, dispersed phase
particles move in the direction of net force. It
increases the stability of colloids. It is far more
smaller particle and in less viscous solvent.

31.
 2. Sedimentation: The heavier sol particles tend
to settle down very slowly under the influence
of gravity. This event is called sedimentation.
3. Diffusion: The colloidal particles have a
tendency to diffuse from high concentration
to a low concentration. The rate of diffusion
of colloidal particles is less than that of true
Previous Year’s Question
solutions.
Optical properties (Tyndall effect)
Which property of colloidal
When a strong and conveying beam of light
solution is independent of charge
(wavelength between UV and visible region)
on the colloidal particles?[NEET]
is passed through a colloidal solution, its path
(1) Electroosmosis
becomes visible when viewed at right angles to
(2) Coagulation
the beam of light.
The Tyndall effect was used by Zsigmondy and (3) Tyndall effect
Siedentop in devising the ultramicroscope. (4) Electrophoresis
It is due to the scattering of light by colloid
particles that the sky looks blue and dust
Surface Chemistry

particles can be seen in a beam of light passing

through a dark area.

32.
Electrical properties: The two electrical
properties of colloidal solutions are:
1. 
Electrophoresis or cataphoresis: The
phenomenon involving the migration of
colloidal particles under the influence of
electric field towards the oppositely charged
electrode is called electrophoresis or
cataphoresis. It helps in finding charge on
colloid particles.

Q.4 Why the sun looks red at the time of setting? Explain on the basis of colloidal
properties.

A.4 At the time of setting, the sun is at the horizon. The light emitted by the sun
has to travel a longer distance through the atmosphere. As a result, blue part
of the light is scattered away by the dust particles in the atmosphere. Hence,
the red part is visible.
Surface Chemistry

33.
 2. Electro-osmosis: It involves the migration of
the dispersion medium and not the colloidal
particles under influence of an electric field.
It helps in removing water from peat. In drying
dye pastes etc. Rack your Brain
Origin of charge
Various reasons have been given regarding What is the application of
the origin of charge on the colloidal particles. electro- osmosis?
These are as follows:
1. Frictional electrification: It is believed to be
Surface Chemistry

frictional due to the rubbing of the dispersed

phase particles with molecules of the
medium.

34.
2. 
Dissociation of the surface molecules: It
leads to electric charge on colloidal particles.
 For example, an aqueous solution of soap
(sodium palmitate) dissociates into ions.
  − + Previous Year’s Question
C15H31COONa   C15H31COO + Na
Sodium palmitate
On which of the following
The Na+ ions pass into the solution while
properties does the coagulating
C15H31COO– ions have a tendency to form
power of an ion depend? [NEET]
aggregates due to weak attractive forces
(1) the magnitude of the charge
present in the hydrocarbon chains. Thus, the
on the ion alone
anions which are of collidal size bear negative
(2) Size of the ion alone
charge.
(3) Both magnitude and sign of
3. Preferential adsorption of ions from solution:
charge on the ion
The charge on the colloidal particles is
(4) The sign of charge on the ion
generally acquired by preferentially adsorbing
alone
positive or negative ions from the electrolyte.  
 AgCl particles can absorb Cl– ions from
chloride solutions (KCl) and Ag+ ions from
solution having Ag+ ions AgNO3 . The solution
will be negatively charged in the first case
and positively charged in the second case.
Sols with electrical charge
y Positively charged sols: Ferric hydroxide,
aluminium hydroxide, basic dyes such as
methylene blue, haemoglobin, hydrated
metallic oxides. Concept Ladder
y Negatively charged sols: Metals, such as
The removal of charge by
platinum, gold, silver, metal sulphides like
any means that lead to the
arsenius sulphide, starch, gum, gelatin,
aggregation of particles
charcoal clay, salycylic acid, acid dyes (such
for precipitation is known
as eosin).
as coagulation and the
Coagulation or flocculation: The colloidal sols are
minimum amount of an
stable due to the presence of electric charges on
electrolyte required to
the colloidal particles. Due to electrical repulsion,
cause precipitation of one
the particles do not come close to one another
litre of a colloidal solution
to form precipitates.
is called coagulation value
y The reciprocal of coagulation value is regarded
Surface Chemistry

or flocculation value of the

as the coagulating power.
electrolyte for the sol.
Hardy–Schulz rule: According to this rule, “Higher
the valency of the active electrolyte ion, the
greater will be its power to precipitate the sol.’’

35.
 y The coagulation power of cations for negatively
charged colloids is Si+4 > Al3+ > Mg2+ > Na+
Protection and gold number Protections involves
the protection of lyophobic colloid from co- Concept Ladder
agulation by using a protective lyophillic colloid.
The coagulation power of
The protection power is expressed as gold anion for positively charged
number. It is the amount of the protective colloid sol is
in milligrams needed to prevent the coagulation [Fe(CN)6]4– > PO43– > SO4 2–
> Cl–
of a standard 10 mL gold sol when 1ml of 10%
solution of sodium chloride is added to it.
Smaller the gold number, greater will be the
protection power.
Colloid Gelatin Haemoglobin Gum Starch
Gold no.0.005–0.01 0.03 0.15 25 Definitions
e.g., Gelatin is added in ice creams to protect co-
Colloidal solutions too exhibit
agulation of ice particles.
colligative properties such as
Protargol and Argyrol are used in eye drops.
osmotic pressure, lowering of
Colligative properties The effect of colloidal vapour pressure, depression in
particle on colligative properties, except osmotic freezing point and elevation in
pressure, is very small due to the large size of boiling point.
colloidal particles.
Emulsions
There are two types of emulsions: (a) oil in
water, (b) water in oil emulsions
To test the type of emulsion, either dye test
or conductance measurement test may be
performed.
y Hydrophilic emulsifiers: dissolve better in Definitions
water than in oil and hence these promote
formation of oil-water emulsions like milk. Emulsion is a colloidal solution
y Hydrophobic emulsifiers: on the other hand, of two immiscible liquids, in
which the liquid acts as the
dissolve better in oil than in water and hence
dispersed phase as well as the
these favour formation of water–oil emulsions dispersion medium.
Surface Chemistry

as in cold cream.

36.
Uses of emulsions
1. Many pharmaceutical preparations, medicines,
ointments, creams and various lotion are
emulsions. It is believed that medicines are
more effective and easily assimilated by the
body tissues when they are in colloidal form,
that is, as emulsions. Concept Ladder
2. All paints are emulsions.
3. Soaps and detergents remove dust and dirt The digestion of fat in
from the dirty piece of cloth by making an oil the intestines is aided by
in water emulsion. emulsification. Fat present
4. Milk is an emulsion of liquid fats in water. in food is emulsified by
5. In froth floatation process, an oil is added to alkaline bile juices secreted
the finelydivided ore taken in water. from the small intestines,
The particles of ore go on to the surface due thus making it easier for
to the formation of foams while the other the digestive enzymes to
impurities are left at the bottom of the vessel. carry out their metabolic
6. The emulsion of asphalt in water is used in functions.
constructing roads and buildings.
Gels
Surface Chemistry

Here dispersed phase is made up of liquid

while dispersion medium is made up of a solid
substance.

37.
 y Hydrophilic sols of gelatin, agar-agar,
gum-arabic, mastic and gamboges can be
converted into gels by cooling them under
moderate concentration condition.
y Hydrophobic gels like silicic acid, aluminium
hydroxide, commonly known as silica gel Rack your Brain
and alumina gel, are prepared by double
decomposition method. Write 5 examples of emulsion
y Change of solvent method is also used to with dispersion phase and
prepare hydrophobic gels, for example, when dispersion medium.
ethanol is added rapidly to the solution of
calcium acetate of fair concentration, gelation
occurs after some time.
Elastic gels
y Elastic gels can imbibe water when placed
in it and undergo swelling. This is known as
imbibition or swelling. Examples of elastic
gels are gelatin, agar-agar and starch.
Non-elastic gels Definitions
y These are irreversible gels, when hydrated,
become glassy or change into powder. On Sols, when coagulated under
hydration followed by warming they do not some special conditions, change
change back to the original form. into semi-rigid mass, enclosing
y Non-elastic gels cannot imbibe water whole amount of liquid within
therefore they do not undergo the swelling itself. This semi-rigid mass is
phenomenon. known as a gel.
y Silica, alumina, and ferric oxide gels are
important examples of non-elastic gels.
y The application of external pressure on the
gel, increases the rate of syneresis.
Thixotropy: Some of the gels, specially gelatin Definitions
(reversible) and silica (irreversible) liquefy on
shaking, changing into corresponding sols. The These are reversible gels. When
sol on standing reverts back to gel. This sol–gel partially dehydrated, they
transformation is known as thixotropy. change into a solid mass. This
Application of Colloids mass changes back into its
Food original form on simple addition
Surface Chemistry

1. Most food items are colloidal in nature. For of water, followed by slight
example, casein which is a lyophilic colloid. heating.
2. Gelatin is added to ice cream as a protective
colloid so as to preserve its smoothness.

38.
Medicine
1. Colloidal calcium and gold are administered
by injections to enhance the vitality of the Concept Ladder
human body.
2.  Colloidal silver (argyrols and protagol) are Both elastic and non elastic
used in eye lotions. gels undergo shrinking in
3. Colloidal sulphur is used as an insecticide. volume when allowed to
4. Emulsions such as phenyl, dettol are used as stand. This phenomenon is
disinfectants. known as syneresis.
5. Colloidal arsenic is used to treat eye diseases.
6. Colloidal antimony is used to treat kala-azar.
Industrial materials
1. Paints, varnishes, enamels cellulose, resins,
gums, glues, and other adhesives are colloidal
in nature.
2.  Latex, from which rubber is obtained, is a
suspension of negatively charged colloidal
Rack your Brain
particles of rubber.
Rubber plating: The negatively charged particles
of latex are made to deposit on wires or handles Why non-elastic gels do not
of various tools to insulate them by the process undergo swelling?
of electrophoresis. The article to be rubber plated
is used as anode. The rubber particles migrate
under an electrical field towards the anode and
get deposited on it.
Detergent action of soap: The addition of soap
lowers the interfacial tension between water and
grease and this causes emulsification of grease
in water. Mechanical action releases the dirt. Previous Year’s Question
Cleaning of water: Negatively charged particles
of very fine clay sometimes cause turbidity
Which one of the following forms
in water. The addition of potash-alum or
micelles in aqueous solution
aluminium sulphate furnishes trivalent Al3+ ions
above certain concentration?
causing coagulation of clay particles. Coagulum
 [AIPMT]
settles down and thus water is cleared of such
(1) Dodecyl trimethyl ammonium
suspensions.
chloride
Cottrell precipitator: Removal of dust and
(2) Glucose
Surface Chemistry

smoke particles from air involves the principle of

(3) Urea
electrophoresis.
(4) Pyridinium chloride

39.
 Chrome-tanning: It is done by penetrating
positively charged particles of hydrated chromic
oxide into leather. Previous Year’s Question
Smoke screens: Titanium dioxide being very
heavy, is used in smoke screen as it makes The protecting power of lyophilic
the smoke rapidly settle down like a curtain of colloidal sol is expressed in terms
dazzling whiteness. of  [NEET]
Formation of deltas: Deltas are formed in areas, (1)  Coagulation value
where big rivers meet the sea. This leads to (2) Gold number
precipitation of charged clay particles carried as (3) Critical micelle concentration
suspension in river water by the salts present in (4) Oxidation number
Surface Chemistry

sea water.

40.
Q.5 Define the term ‘Tyndall effect’.

A.5 Tyndall effect : When a beam of light is passed through a colloidal solution
and viewed perpendicular to the path of the incident light, the path of light
becomes visible as a bright streak. The illuminated path is called Tyndall cone
and the phenomenon is called Tyndall effect.

Q.6 What is the ‘coagulation’ process?

A.6 The process of settling of colloidal particles is called coagulation or

precipitation of the solution.

Q.7 What is meant by ‘shape-selective catalysis’ of reactions?

A.7 The catalyst reaction in which small sized molecules are absorbed in the
pores and cavities of selective adsorbents like zeolites is known as shape-
selective catalysis.

Q.8 Out of NH3 and CO2 which gas will be adsorbed more readily on the surface of
activated charcoal and why?

A.8 NH3 gas will be adsorbed more readily on activated charcoal. It has higher
critical temperature than CO2 and is an easily liquifiable gas. Its van der Waals
forces are stronger.

Q.9 Write two applications of adsorption.

A.9 Applications of adsorption :

1. In decolorisation of sugar.
2. In gas masks, charcoal is used which adsorbs poisonous gases in mines.
Surface Chemistry

41.
 Q.10 Why do true solutions not show Tyndall effect?

A.10 In true solution, the diameter of the dispersed particles is much smaller than
the wavelength of the light used, hence there is no scattering of light.

Q.11 Why is adsorption always exothermic?

A.11 Adsorption is accompanied by decrease of randomness. For the process to

be spontaneous,
ΔG must be negative.
Hence, according to equation ΔG = ΔH – TΔS, ΔG can be -ve only if ΔH is
negative.

Q.12 A delta is formed at the melting point of sea water and river water. Why?

A.12 Delta is formed at the meeting point of sea water and river water due to
coagulation of colloidal clay particles.

Q.13 Write one similarity between physisorption and chemisorption.

A.13 Both physisorption and chemisorption increase with increase in pressure.

Both increase with increase in surface area.

Q.14 Why do we see a beam coming from projector to screen in a cinema hall?

A.14 This is due to scattering of light coming from the projector by the particles of
the dust present in the air and falling in the path of the beam of light.

Q.15 Why causes Brownian movement in a colloidal solution?

A.15 Brownian movement, i.e., zig-zig movement of the colloidal particles is due
to hitting of these particles by the molecules of the dispersion medium with
Surface Chemistry

different forces from different directions.

42.
Q.16 Which one of the following electrolytes is most effective for the coagulation
of Fe(OH)3 sol and why?
NaCl, Na2SO4, Na3PO4

A.16 Fe(OH)3 is a positively charged sol. According to Hardy-Schulze rule, greater

the charge on the oppositely charged ion of the electrolyte added, more
effective it is in bringing about coagulation. Hence Na3PO4 (containing PO43-
ions) is most effective

Q.17 Why artificial rain can be caused by throwing common salt on the clouds?

A.17 Clouds are colloidal dispersion of water particles in air. The colloidal water
particles carry charge. On throwing common salt on the clouds coagulation
of water particles takes place as common salt is an electroluyte.

Q.18 On the basis of Hardy-Schulze rule explain why coagulating power of phosphate
is higher than chloride.

A.18 According to Hardy-Schulze rule, greater than valency of the flocculating ion
added, greater is its power to cause coagulation or precipitiation. Phosphate
ion (PO43-) has greater charge than chloride ion (Cl­-
). Hence, PO43- ion has
greater coagulating power.

Q.19 Why does bleeding stop by rubbing mois alum?

A.19 Moist alum coagulates the blood as it is a colloidal sol. and alum provides Al3+
ions. As a result, a clot of blood is formed. Hence, it stops bleeding.

Q.20 Do the vital functions of the body such as diagestion get affected dcuring
fever? Explain your answer.

A.20 Yes, vital functions of the body are affected during fever. This is because
Surface Chemistry

biological reactions taking place in our body are catalysed by enzymes. These
enzymes show maximum activity in the temperature range 298-310K. during
fever, when temperature rises above 310K, enzuymatic activity becomes less.

43.
 Chapter Summary

1. The collidal sol of cellulose nitrate prepared in ethanol is known as collodion.

2. The process of dialysis finds use in the purification of blood by artificial kidney.

3. The blue colour of sky is due to scattering of light by colloidal dust particles dispersed

in air.

4. 
When negatively charged As2S3 sol is added to positively charged Fe(OH)3 sol in

suitable amounts, both the sols are precipitated simultaneously. This is termed as

mutual coagulation.

5. Flocculation value of an ion

1
∝
Coagulating power of the ion

6. Zsigmondy was awarded the Nobel prize chemistry in 1925 for his contribution to

colloidal chemistry.

7. Ostwald introduced congo rubin number. Which is defined as “The amount of

protective colloid in mg. That prevents colour change in 100ml of 0.01% congo rubin

dye. From the addition of 0.16gn KCl.

8. In case of soaps and detergents C.M.C is 10–4 — 10–3 M/L

9. Fresh precipitates of CdS, HgS are peptized by H2S.

10. Fresh precipitates of Stannic acid is peptized by HCl(eq) or NH3(eq.)

11. Colloid solution of Graphite is called Aquadag.

Surface Chemistry

44.
45.
Surface Chemistry
Surface Chemistry

46.