Zetapotensialen

Zetapotensialen, also known as zeta potential, is a scientific term used in colloid chemistry and surface science. It refers to the electrical potential at the slipping plane within the electrical double layer that surrounds a charged particle suspended in a liquid. The slipping plane is the boundary where the liquid adjacent to the particle's surface moves with the particle, while the liquid further away moves independently.

The magnitude of the zeta potential is a measure of the electrostatic charge on the surface of the colloid particles. It is an indicator of the stability of colloidal dispersions. If the zeta potential is high (either positive or negative), it suggests that the particles are strongly repelled from each other, leading to a stable dispersion. Conversely, a low zeta potential indicates that interparticle attractions may overcome repulsive forces, potentially leading to aggregation and sedimentation.

Zeta potential is typically measured using electrophoresis, a technique where charged particles move in an electric field. The mobility of these particles is then used to calculate the zeta potential. This parameter has significant applications in various fields, including pharmaceuticals, food science, paints, and water treatment, where controlling particle stability and preventing aggregation is crucial. For example, in drug delivery systems, zeta potential can influence how a drug formulation interacts with biological tissues.