Analysis of electrical double-layer measurements

Abstract

We describe methods of presenting experimental electrokinetic and potentiometric titration measurements which are more informative than traditional representations. Simple procedures, based on the application of a theorem recently proved by one of us, make it possible (a) to identify regions where a simple double-layer model is adequate to fit the results; (b) to calculate values of model parameters; (c) to recognise the breakdown of the simple model assumptions; and (d) to suggest, in many cases, likely causes of the breakdown. A generalisation to more complex systems, with several adsorbed species, is outlined. The application of the theorem to determine the surface area of a dispersion is discussed.