Influence of surface conductivity on the apparent zeta potential of TiO2 nanoparticles

Zeta potential is a physico-chemical parameter of particular importance in describing ion adsorption and electrostatic interactions between charged particles. Nevertheless, this fundamental parameter is ill-constrained, because its experimental interpretation is complex, particularly for very small and charged TiO2 nanoparticles. The excess of electrical charge at the interface is responsible for surface conductance, which can significantly lower the electrophoretic measurements, and hence the apparent zeta potential. Consequently, the intrinsic zeta potential can have a larger amplitude, even in the case of simple 1:1 electrolytes like NaCl and KCl. Surface conductance of TiO2 nanoparticles immersed in a NaCl solution is estimated using a surface complexation model, and this parameter and particle size are incorporated into Henry’s model in order to determine a constrained value of the zeta potential from electrophoresis. Interior conductivity of the agglomerates is calculated using a differential self-consistent model. The amplitude of estimated zeta potential is greater than that derived from the von Smoluchowski equation and corresponds to the electric potential at the outer Helmholtz plane calculated by our surface complexation model. Consequently, the shear plane may be located close to the OHP, contradicting the assumption of the presence of a stagnant diffuse layer at the TiO2/water interface.

TiO2 zeta potential in NaCl solution. Symbols represent values from electrophoresis and lines the ESM surface complexation model predictions at the OHP. ESM is only calibrated by titration data.Figure optionsDownload high-quality image (75 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► Surface conductivity can diminish the electrophoretic mobility.
► Electrophoretic mobility can be corrected of surface conductivity.
► Surface complexation models allow surface conductance estimation.
► Surface conductance can explain the low apparent zeta potential of TiO2.