Hydrocarbon interfacial interactions and colloid stability

Abstract

The alkane-aqueous electrolyte interface displays several apparently anomalous properties. Surface force measurements between uncharged hydrocarbon surfaces in electrolyte show a long-range attraction. Colloidal alkane particles suspended in electrolyte show both stability and large electrophoretic mobilities consistent with the presence of significant interfacial charge. These findings are discussed in terms of interfacial solvent effects. © 1993 American Chemical Society.