Scribd
Upload
9 views3 pages

Colloid Stability Effects of Electrolytes

Uploaded by

bpharmatablets
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
9 views3 pages

Colloid Stability Effects of Electrolytes

Uploaded by

bpharmatablets
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Electrolyte Effects on Colloid Stability

Electrolytes significantly impact the stability of colloids by altering the electrical double layer around

colloidal particles,

which can lead to either stabilization or destabilization (coagulation) of the colloid. This effect varies

depending on the type

and concentration of electrolytes added.

1. Electrostatic Double Layer and Stability

- In a colloidal solution, particles typically acquire a surface charge (positive or negative), attracting

counter-ions from

the surrounding medium. This forms an electric double layer around each particle, which creates

an electrostatic repulsion

that keeps the particles separated and prevents aggregation.

- Electrolytes, when dissolved, produce ions that can interact with the charged surfaces of colloidal

particles, impacting

the stability of the double layer.

2. Screening Effect of Electrolytes

- Adding an electrolyte increases the ionic strength of the solution, which compresses the

thickness of the electric double

layer around each colloidal particle. As the layer compresses, the repulsive forces between

particles decrease, making it

easier for them to come closer together.

- When particles are close enough, van der Waals attractive forces can dominate, leading to

aggregation or coagulation of the colloid.


3. Effect of Electrolyte Concentration

- Low Concentration: At low concentrations, electrolytes may provide slight stabilization by

maintaining a balance between

the electrical double layer and the van der Waals forces.

- High Concentration: At high concentrations, electrolytes can strongly reduce the repulsive forces,

leading to the collapse

of the electric double layer and rapid coagulation of particles.

4. Hardy-Schulze Rule

- The Hardy-Schulze Rule states that the effectiveness of an electrolyte in coagulating a colloidal

solution depends on the

valency of the counter-ion (the ion with a charge opposite to that of the colloidal particle).

- Higher-valency ions are more effective at causing coagulation. For example:

- A trivalent ion (e.g., Al3+) will be more effective in coagulating a negatively charged colloid

than a monovalent ion (e.g., Na+).

- This effect is due to the greater ability of high-valency ions to neutralize the particle's charge,

rapidly reducing repulsive forces.

5. Specific Ion Effects

- Certain ions (known as lyotropic ions) may have specific effects beyond simple charge

screening, due to their size or

specific affinity for the colloidal surface. Some ions can cause specific changes in hydration or

surface adsorption that

either stabilize or destabilize colloidal particles.


Summary of Electrolyte Effects on Colloids

- Low electrolyte concentration: Maintains stability with minor effects on the electric double layer.

- High electrolyte concentration: Compresses the double layer, reducing repulsion and promoting

coagulation.

- Hardy-Schulze Rule: Higher-valency counter-ions lead to faster and stronger coagulation.

- Specific ion effects: Ions can stabilize or destabilize colloids based on properties beyond charge,

such as ion size and affinity for the surface.

By carefully controlling electrolyte concentration and types, one can manipulate colloid stability,

which is essential for

applications in fields like pharmaceuticals, food science, and water treatment.

You might also like

pFad - Phonifier reborn

Pfad - The Proxy pFad of © 2024 Garber Painting. All rights reserved.

Note: This service is not intended for secure transactions such as banking, social media, email, or purchasing. Use at your own risk. We assume no liability whatsoever for broken pages.


Alternative Proxies:

Alternative Proxy

pFad Proxy

pFad v3 Proxy

pFad v4 Proxy