Origin of charge on colloidal particles in butanol

Abstract

The electrophoretic mobilities of colloidal polystyrene, polytetrafluoroethylene and the carbon blacks Graphon and Black Pearls A dispersed in butanol have been determined. From changes in electrophoretic mobility caused by additions of H₂O, HCl and LiCl it is deduced that the fundamental particle charging mechanism involves proton transfer. Water appears to have no major effects other than those resulting from its acidity with respect to butanol. The variation of electrophoretic mobility with increase in electrolyte concentration follows the trends indicated by electrical double layer theory.