Revisiting Zeta Potential, the Key Feature of Interfacial Phenomena, with Applications and Recent Advancements

Abstract

Surface of a particle is inevitably charged. When the particle is surrounded by a fluid a potential difference arises between the surface and bulk, called zeta potential (ζ) which controls many interfacial properties of the particle involving in suspension, emulsion, colloid etc. Many phenomena happening around us have at least one step that passes through an interface. Thus, the application of ζ is practically uncountable. Discovered in late 19th century, almost past 120 years, the application of ζ has emerged in many areas to meet the fruitful need of mankind. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no report disclosed citing the applications at one place as a ready tool for the readers. The present review accumulates extensive survey of literature, bringing out various aspects of ζ in chemistry, engineering, biology, material, and environmental sciences. A brief theoretical background mentioning the principle and practical applications were focused.

Surface Optimization of Commercial Porous Ti Substrates by EPD of Titanium Nitride

“…Considering the pore size in the polished Ti substrates ranging from the nanometric to micrometric values, in this study micro- and nano-sized TiN powders were selected for the EPD infiltration. The stability of the suspensions was evaluated by measuring the potential ζ, in accordance with the “DLVO” theory, based on the potential energy curve of the dispersed particles as a function of their distance [ 43 , 70 , 71 , 72 ]. According to this theory, the stability of a colloidal suspension depends on the balance of repulsive and attractive forces existing among the suspended particles.…”

Hydrodynamic and Polyelectrolyte Properties of Actin Filaments: Theory and Experiments

“…Following Oshima’s approach[30], we also predicted the zeta potential (ZP) from the experimental electrophoretic values for each buffer. High ZP (≳ 0.25 V ) has been commonly associated with highly charged particles inducing intermolecular repulsion and leading to dispersion stability[51]. In contrary, low ZP will likely lead to the aggregation of charged monomers.…”

Enhanced mechanical performance and wettability of PHBV fiber blends with evening primrose oil for skin patches improving hydration and comfort

“…76 Importantly, the changes in zeta potentials allow us to recognize chemical changes on modified surfaces due to different behaviour of surfaces in the liquid surrounding. 77 Zeta potential depends on the wettability of the materials and can be also used to calculate the surface free energy by using Fowke's hypothesis. 78 The average skin pH in adults is 4.9, while the skin of newborns and the elderly have an increased pH.…”