What Is Zeta Potential And What Value

Is It?
The zeta potential is the electrostatic potential at the particle slipping plane, which is the outer boundary within which all ions
diffuse with the particle. The zeta potential is a function of the surface charge density, and as such, any change in the
surface charge, either valence or ion condensation, will lead to changes in the measured zeta potential.

The zeta potential is calculated from the mobility measured during an electrophoretic light scattering (ELS) experiment.
Although greatly simplified, one can think of the analysis in this fashion: an electrical field is applied across the sample, and
the mobility of the charged particles within the applied field is measured from the Doppler shift of the light scattered from the
particles.

Zeta potential is routinely used to predict the relative stability of aqueous colloidal samples. If the zeta potential is > 30 mV or
< -30 mV, the particles tend to repel each other, which increases the subsequent dispersion stability. As the zeta potential
moves toward 0 mV (the isoelectric point) the possibility of particle aggregation increases, leading to a reduction in the
stability. Note that zeta potential is always measured under dilute conditions and is strongly dependant on pH, salt, and
additive concentrations.

Common examples of zeta potential applications include colloidal formulations, surface chemistry modifications, and induced
instability (typically in wastewater treatment). There is also much interest in the use of zeta potential measurements to
examine protein surface charge and valence. However, that application is not as straightforward as it looks, due to the
inherent instability of protein molecules at the electrode surface.

Another common question on the subject of zeta potential is in regard to non-aqueous samples. Yes, it is possible to
measure the electrophoretic mobility of non-aqueous samples; but there are very few guidelines to follow when interpreting
the results, since the area is still considered to be an active research topic.

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