Differential loss of ions from the crystal lattice

  • If a crystal of Agl is placed in water, it starts to dissolve 
  • If equal amounts of Ag+ and  l- ions were to dissolve, the surface would be uncharged
  • In fact Ag ions dissolve preferentially leaving a negatively charged surface
Differential loss of ions from the crystal lattice

Click here to return to "An Introduction to Zeta Potential and its Measurement"