Thermodynamic quantities of surface formation of aqueous electrolyte solutions: IX. Aqueous solutions of ammonium salts

The properties of aqueous ammonium salt solutions at the air/water surface are presented. By comparison of the properties of ammonium halides solutions with those of sodium halide, we note a close similarity, which indicates that the increments in surface tension may be explained in relation to the hydration enthalpy of anions. We find that the behaviors of the salts with nitrate anions which are polyatomic are also explained by hydration enthalpy in the same way. On the other hand, salts with ammonium cations which are polyatomic show deviation from a monotonous relationship between the surface tension increments and the hydration enthalpies observed for alkali metal halides. These results can be explained by ion pair formation in the surface region.

Graphical abstractThe surface tensions of aqueous ammonium salt solutions are measured as a function of temperature and concentration.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (80 K)Download as PowerPoint slide