Separation of colloidal particles in a packed column using depletion and structural forces

- A suspension of binary colloidal particles was passed through a packed bed.
- Suspension also contained highly charged nanoparticles.
- Nanoparticles created depletion and structural forces between colloids and bed.
- More of the smaller colloids were trapped in the bed, producing separation.
- Increased structural repulsion inhibited the large particle deposition.