Changes in zeta potential of imidazolium ionic liquids modified minerals - Implications for determining mechanism of adsorption

► Adsorption of ILs on quartz and kaolinite was investigated. ► Changes of zeta potentials of minerals caused by ILs adsorption were demonstrated. ► Reversal of mineral's charge by adsorption of [OMIM][Cl] but not for [BMIM][Br] or [HMIM][Cl] was observed. ► Mechanism of adsorption was suggested.