Surface Chemistry

Adsorption
y The term adsorption was introduced by
Scheele during the discovery of uptake Definitions
of gases by charcoal.
y It was discovered by Raymonds and The phenomenon of adherence
Kayser. of liquid or gaseous molecules
y The substance on which the other on the surface of a solid by
substance is adsorbed is called an physical or chemical processes
adsorbent or interface, for example, is termed as adsorption.
charcoal, solid Al2O3, silica gel, metals,
colloids and clay in finely divided states.
y The substance which gets adsorbed on
the adsorbent is called adsorbate.

Concept Ladder

Š Air becomes dry

Surface Chemistry

Features of Adsorption (moisture free) when

y Adsorption is highly specific and silica gel as silica gel
selective in nature. adsorbs H2O molecules.

1.
Surface Chemistry

2.
y It is a spontaneous process, so ∆H, ∆S, ∆G
are negative.
y When absorption and adsorption occur Concept Ladder
simultaneously it is called sorption
y Adsorption is fast and exothermic. For Š In positive adsorption,
example, inert gases, SO2, Cl2, CO2, NH3 get the concentration of the
adsorbed on charcoal and silica gel adsorbs adsorbate is more on the
H2O. surface of the adsorbent
y Dyes can be adsorbed on animal charcoal. than in bulk.
Š In negative adsorption,
Absorption the concentration of the
It occurs throughout the body of absorbing adsorbate is less relative
material and hence it is a slower process. to its concentration in
It is an endothermic process (∆H is positive).
bulk.
For example, anhydrous CaCl 2 absorbs water,
followed by a decrease in temperature.
Occlusion
Adsorption of gases on surface of metal is
known as occlusion. For example, H2 gas on Pd
(palladium) surface. Definitions

Types of Adsorption Desorption

Physical adsorption It is reverse of adsorption,
y Here molecules are attracted to the surface that is, removal of adsorbed
by weak van der Waals forces. substance from the surface of
y e.g., Charcoal adsorbs SO2. the adsorbent.
y It is less specific as all gases are adsorbed on
metals to some extent.
y It is reversible in nature.


Solid + Gas 
 Gas / Solid+ Heat
y Adsorption ∝ Liquification of gases.
y It is exothermic in nature. So observed at low
temperatures. Rack your Brain
y Here, adsorption energy is low. (20–40) kJ/
Mole. What is relation between
y It decreases with temperature. Adsorption and liquification of
gas?
Surface Chemistry

3.
 y Here, multiple layers are formed.
y Here, adsorption ∝ surface area
Concept Ladder
y Here, activation energy barrier is absent. e.g.,
Adsorption of N2 on Mica. That is why finely divided
metals and porous
substances are good
adsorbents due to larger
surface area

Chemical Adsorption/ Activated Adsorption

y In this process,the molecules are held on the
surface by strong chemical bonds. e.g., H2
adsorbed on metals due to hydride formation. Rack your Brain
y It is very specific in nature.
y It is irreversible in nature. Where does chemical adsorption
occur?
y Adsorption energy is high in this case. (80–
240 kJ/Mole)
y It is an endothermic process.
y Initially, it increases with increase in
temperature then decreases.

Previous Year’s Question

Which one of the following

characteristics is associated with
adsorption? [NEET]
(1)  DG and DH are negative but DS
y Adsorption ∝ Surface area is positive.
y In this, a unimolecular layer is formed. (2) DG and DS are negative but DH
y For this process to take place, Activation is positive.
Surface Chemistry

(3) DG is negative DH and DS are

energy is needed to be overcome for this
positive.
process to occur. Adsorption of O2 on
(4) DG, DH and DS all are negative.
Tungsten, H2 on Nickel.

4.
 Concept Ladder

Rate of adsorption is high

Factors Affecting Adsorption
at the begning and then
Effect of temperature
decreases till equilibrium
1 is attained.
Adsorption ∝
Temperature
Effect of pressure
At constant temperature:
Adsorption ∝ Pressure
Nature of gas or adsorbent
Adsorption ∝ Critical temperature of the gas α
Liquation of the Gas
For example, [NH3, Cl2, HCl] > [N2, O2, H2]

Surface area of Adsorbent: Larger is the surface

Previous Year’s Question
area of adsorbent, more will be the number
of active centres and faster will be the rate of
adsorption.
Activation of solid adsorbent: When adsorbent Which is not correct regarding the
is subdivided or already adsorbed gases are adsorption of a gas on surface of
removed, the adsorbent becomes activated and a solid? [AIPMT]
the rate of adsorption increases. (1) On increasing temperature
Adsorption isotherm: The plot between extent adsorption increases
of adsorption (x/m) vs pressure at constant continuously.
temperature. (2) Enthalpy and entropy change
Here, x = Mass of gas adsorbed is negative
m = Mass of adsorbent (3) Adsorption is more for some
specific substance.
(4) it is a reversible reaction.
Surface Chemistry

5.
 Freundlich Adsorption isotherm
At low pressure, graph is almost straight
x Concept Ladder
∝P
m
x Freundlich adsorption
= KP applicable only for physical
m
Here, K = Constant. adsorption because it
x considers multimolecular
At high pressure becomes almost constant layer of adsorption.
m
and does not change with pressure
x x
∝ P° or =KP°
m m
At intermediate value of pressure
1
x
∝ Pn
m Rack your Brain
1
x
= KPn
m Why Freundlich adsorption is
(n > 1) unable to explain the degree of
n is constant, which only depends upon nature of adsorption is constant at higher
adsorbent and adsorbate. pressure?
Value of n and K are be determined as follows:
On taking logarithm of equation (1), we get
x 1
log
= log e K + log e P
e
m n Previous Year’s Question
Thus, on plotting a graph between loge x/m and
loge P, a straight line is obtained.
The correct option representing
1 
Here, =slope 1= / n 0 to 1  ; Intercept = loge K a Freundlich adsorption isotherm
n  is  [NEET]

x
(1)  = kp0.3
m
x
(2) = kp2.5
m
x
(3) = kp−0.5
Surface Chemistry

m
x
(4) = kp−1
m

6.
If concentration is used in place of pressure
1
x n
= KC
m
Previous Year’s Question
Langmuir adsorption isotherm
x aP
= In Freundlich adsorption
m 1+b P isotherm, the value of 1/n is

x aP  [AIPMT]
/P =
m 1+b P (1)  between 0 and 1 in all cases
On reversing the equation, we get, (2) between 2 and 4 in all cases
(3) 1 in case of physical absorption
P 1+b P 1 b
= = + P (4) 1 in case of chemisorption.
x /m a a a
Here a and b are constants when graph is plotted
between
P
and P
x /m
It is a straight line, in which slope is equal to b/a
Rack your Brain
while the intercept is equal to 1/a.

Which purification technique will

be used to purify pigments and
hormones?

The plots between x/m and temperature at

constant pressure are called adsorption isobars.
Uses of Adsorption Concept Ladder
1. Silica and alumina gel are used to remove
moisture and for controlling humidity.  roth floatation method
F
2. Charcoal is used in production of high vacuum. used for concentration of
3. Animal charcoal removes the colour of sulphide ores, is based on
solution by adsorbing coloured impurities. adsorption.
4. In preparation of gas masks using activated
charcoal to avoid poisonous gases like CO,
Surface Chemistry

CH4.
5. Coconut charcoal is used for separating
mixture of inert gas.

7.
 6. Zeolite (Na2Al2Si2O8.xH2O) softens water by
adsorbing CaCl2 .
7. Adsorption chromatography is used for Definitions
purification and separation of pigments,
hormones
Catalyst is a substance which
8. Many drugs are used to kill germs by getting
changes the rate of any reaction
absorbed on them.
and this phenomenon is called
catalysis.
Catalysts
y The term catalyst was coined by Berzilius.
y A catalyst never initiates or completes a
reaction.
y A catalyst is effective in small amount.
For example,
600K Rack your Brain
2KClO3 
Catalyst
→ 2KCl + 3O2
MnO2
Explain optimum temprature?
Homogenous Catalysis
In this, reagents and catalyst have same physical
state or phase.
NO(g)
2SO2 (g) + O2 (g)  → 2SO3 (g)
HCI(I)
CH3COOCH3 (I) + H2 O(I)  → CH3COOH(I) + CH3 OH(I)

Surface Catalysis
In this, reagents and catalyst have different
physical state or phase. In this, catalyst is always
in a solid powderous form and catalysis is known
as surface catalysis.
For example,
Pt(s)
2SO2 (g) + O2 (g)  → 2SO3 (g) Concept Ladder
Fe(s)

N2 (g) + 3H2 (g)  
 2NH3 (g) A catalyst affects the rate
Pt(s) of a reaction but itself
4NH3 (g) + 5O2 (g) 
→ 4NO(g) + 6H2O(g)
remains unchanged in
Properties of a Catalyst mass and properties at the
y A catalyst doesn’t change in mass, chemical end of the reaction.
composition at the end of a reaction.
Surface Chemistry

y The activity of a catalyst depends upon

the extent of chemical adsorption, that is,

8.
 adsorption should always be moderately
strong but not extremely strong.
y It is highly specific in nature, which means,
catlyst can catalyse a given reaction but can
be ineffective for other reactions. This is
called specificity of catalyst.
For example, invertase enzyme can catalyse
hydrolysis of sucrose, but not that of maltose.
Concept Ladder
A catalyst is effective in
small quantity, for example,
1 g colloidal platinum can
catalyse the degradation of
108 litres of H2O2.

y Catalyst is most effective in solid powderous
Definitions
form due to a larger surface area, that means,
more number of active centres. It is the ability of a catalyst to
y Catalyst is more effective at a particular direct the reaction in such a
temperature which is called optimum way so that only one particular
temperature. product is formed, this is called
y After addition of catalyst, reaction takes an selectivity of a catalyst.
alternataive path by changing the activation
energy.
Catalyst Promoter or Activators
A promoter (an activator) in itself is not a
catalyst, however its presence increases the
effectivity of a catalyst. For example, in the
given reaction Cr2O3 and copper act as catalyst
promoters respectively.
ZnO(C) Concept Ladder
CO + 2H2 →
Cr O
CH3OH
2 3

Vegetable oil 

Ni(C)
→ Vegetable ghee A catalyst cannot affect
Cu
the position of equilibrium
Catalyst Poison but can set up equilibrium
Surface Chemistry

It is not a catalyst as such but it decreases quickly.

the activity of a catalyst. For example,Mercury
and Sulphur.

9.
 Types of Catalysts
Positive Catalyst: Positive catalyst increases rate
of a reaction by decreasing activation energy Concept Ladder
requirement for a reaction by making reaction
proceed via an alternative path. Few examples Presence of As2O3 reduces
which show this behaviour are listed below: the Pt–Asbestos activity
Pt in contact process for the
2H2O  → 2H2O + O2
MnO
manufacture of H2SO4.
2KClO3 
2
→ 2KCl + 3O2
Pt
4NH3 + 5O2 
300°C
→ 4NO + 6H2O
NO
2SO2 + O2  → 2SO3
VO
2SO2 + O2 
2 5
Pt
→ 2SO3
Cu Cl
4HCl + O2 →
2 2
2Cl 2 + 2H2O Previous Year’s Question
°
45 C
Ni
CO + 3H2  → CH4 + H2O
Which one of the following
Ni
Vegetable oil 
Cu
→ Vegetable ghee statements is not correct?
ZnO
CO + 2H2  → CH3OH  [NEET]
Cr O
2 3
(1)  The value of equilibrium
Negative Catalyst: It decreases rate of a reaction constant is changed in the
by following an alternative path with higher presence of a catalyst in the
activation energy requirement. Few examples are reaction at equilibrium.
given below: (2) enzymes catalyse mainly
Alchol
2Na2SO3 + O2  → 2Na2SO4 biochemical reactions.
or ace tanilide
(3) Coenzymes increase the
Glycerine
2H2O2  → 2H2O + O2 catalytic activity of enzyme.
Diphenylamine
2C6H5 − CHO + O2  → 2C6H5 − COOH (4) Catalyst does not initiate any
2CHCl 3 + O2 
→ 2COCl 2 + 2HCl 2 reaction.

Here, C2H5OH acts as negative catalyst to

check oxidation of chloroform. It also converts
poisonous phosgene into non-poisonous diethyl
carbonate. Rack your Brain

Auto Catalysts: In certain reactions, one of the What is the role of ethyl alcohol
product acts as a catalyst. Such reactions are to detect the oxidation of
slow in start but become faster as they proceed. chloroform?
Surface Chemistry

For example,

10.
CH3COOC2H5 + HOH 
→ CH3COOH + C2H5OH
Auto catalyst
5H2C2O4 + 2KMnO4 + 3H2SO4 
→ 2MnSO4 + K2SO4 + 10CO2 + 8H2O
Auto catalyst
2Cu + 2HNO3 
→ Cu2O + HNO2
Auto catalyst
Concept Ladder
Induced catalyst: In some cases,a reaction acts
as catalyst for another reaction, for example, H2S or CO reduces activity
Na2AsO3 acts as an induced catalyst for oxidation of iron catalyst in Haber
of Na2AsO3. process.
Na2 AsO3 + O2 
→(No Reaction)
But, 2Na2SO3 + O2 
→ 2Na2SO4
So, Na2 AsO3 + Na2SO3 + O2 
→ Na2 AsO4 + Na2SO4
Acid base catalysts: H+ and OH– ions also act as
catalyst, so these are known as acid and base
catalysts respectively, for example,
+
H
C12H22O11 + H2O → C6H12O6 + C6H12O6
Sugar Glucose Fructose
OH−
CH CHO + H.CH2CHO 
3
→ CH3 − CH(OH) CH2 − CHO
Acetaldehyde β−hydroxy butyric aldehyde

Shape selective catalysts or zeolites: Zeolites Rack your Brain

are the most common type of shape selective
catalysts. The shape selectivity depends upon What is the substance that
pore structure of the catalyst. Pore size varies retards the oxidation of sodium
between 260 to 740 pico metres. sulphid in the presence of air?

1. ZSM(5) is, zeolite sieve of porosity 5 is

Hx (AlO2)x (SiO2)96 – x .16 H2O
It is used to convert alcohols into
hydrocarbons. (Gasoline)
2. Germiniliti [Na2Ca(AlO2)2(SiO2)4.6H2O]
3. Erionite [Na2K2Ca Mg (AlO2)2 (SiO2)2 .6H2O]
Theories of Catalysis
Surface Chemistry

Compound formation theory: According to this,

one of the reactants combines with catalyst to
form an intermediate product, which carries out
remaining part of reaction.

11.
 A + C 
→ AC (Intermediate compound)
AC + B 
→ AB + C
A + B + C 
→ AB + C Concept Ladder
Here, A & B are reactants, C is catalyst and AC The general formula of a
is intermediate product. Few examples are given zeolite is:
below: Mx/n [(AlO2)x(SiO2)y], H2O
4KClO3 + 2MnO2 
→ 2KMnO4 + 2KCl + Cl 2 + 4 O2 Here M = Metal ions like K+
2KMnO4 
→ K2MnO4 + MnO2 + O2 or M+2, Ca+2
K2MnO4 + Cl 2 
→ 2KCl + MnO2 + O2 n = Valency of metal cation
MnO
m = Number of molecules
or 2KClO3 
2
→ 2KCl + 3O2 of water of crystallization.
More examples:
1. Freidel Crafts reaction
→(R+ )(AlCl 4 )−
R − Cl + AlCl 3 
C H −H
(R+ )(AlCl 4 )− →
6 5
R − Cl + AlCl 3

2. R − OH + H.HSO4 
→ R − HSO4 
R −OH
→ R − O − R + H2SO4
3. 2NO(g) + O2 (g) 
→ 2NO2 (g)
NO2 (g) + SO2 (g) 
→ SO3 + NO Previous Year’s Question
4. 2MnO2 + 2KCl 
→ 2KMnO4 + Cl 2 + O2
According to the adsorption
2KMnO2 
→ K2MnO2 + MnO2 + O2
theory of catalysis, the speed of
Cl
K2MnO4 
2
→ 2KCl + MnO2 + O2 the reaction increases becasue.
Adsorption Theory: According to the theory,  [AIPMT]
reactants are adsorbed on surface of catalyst (1) the concentration of reactant
and forms a film. Due to high concentration of molecules at the active
reactants on film, reaction proceeds at a very centres of the catalyst
fast rate. becomes high due to
As most of the catalysts are used in solid- adsorption.
powderous form and they have a large surface (2) In the process of adsorption,
area on which active centers are present. At these the activation energy of the
centres, reactant molecules get collected and molecules becomes large.
form unstable bonds. Soon, reactants molecules (3) Adsorption produces heat
undergo chemical combination to give desired which increases the speed of
Surface Chemistry

products. Products leave surface as soon as the reaction.

they are formed, so that new reactant molecules (4) Adsorption lowers the
can be adsorbed on catalyst surface. In this activation energy of the
reaction.

12.
way, process goes on till reaction is complete or
attains equilibrium.

Modern adsorption theory: According to this,

reactants are adsorbed at active centers, that is,
free vacancies on solid surface of catalyst and
form an activated complex, which under strain,
forms new molecules and leaves the surface.
Rack your Brain
Energy of activation theory: A catalyst lowers the
value of activation energy needed for reaction,
Why a finely divided catalyst has
which can now be easily crossed by reactants greater activity?
and consequently products are formed.
Enzyme Catalyst or Biochemical Catalyst
Surface Chemistry

y Enzymes are complex organic nitrogen

compounds produced by living plants or
animals in their cells.

13.
 y These are high molecular mass, globular
protein molecules.
y Enzymes are highly efficient and increase the
rate of reaction by 108 –1020 times. Concept Ladder
y Enzyme catalysts are highly specific in nature.
For example, urea’s enzyme can catalyse The non-protein component
hydrolysis of urea but not of n-methyl urea. of an enzyme is called a
y Enzyme catalysts are more effective at co-factor.
y a constant temperature (37°C) and at a
constant pH 7.4.
y Enzymes act like catalyst in many chemical
and biochemical process.
y Optimum temperature range is 298 – 310 k
and pH range is (5 – 7).

A few examples:
Invertase
1. C12H22O11  → C6H12O6 + C6H12O6
Cane Sugar Glucose Fructose
Rack your Brain
Zymase
C6H12O6 
→ 2C2H5OH + 2CO2
Diastase
2. 2(C6H10O5 ) n+ H2 O 
Maltose
→ nC12H22O11 Can a catalyst increase the yield
Starch
H2O
of the reaction?
3. C12H22O11 
Maltase
→ C6H12O6
Mycoderma
C2H5OH + O2 
aceti
→ CH3COOH + H2O
Lactobacilli
4. Milk  → Curd

Q.1 How is adsorption of a gas related to its critical temperature?

A.1 Higher is the value of Tc (critical temperature) of a gas, greater is the ease of
liquefaction, i.e., greater are the van der Waals forces of attraction and hence
greater is the adsorption.

Q.2 Name two physical quantities that remain unaffected when a reversible
reaction is carried out in the presence of a catalyst.
Surface Chemistry

A.2 Equilibrium constant and enthalpy change.

14.
 Some Industrial Catalytic Process

S.NO Process Catalyst used

1. Haber’s process for manufacture of Finely divided iron as

ammonia. catalyst, Molybdenum as


N2 + 3H2 
 2NH3 promoter. Conditions: 450–
500°C temperature and
200 atmosphere pressure.

2. Ostwald process for manufacture of nitric Platinized asbestos.

acid Temperature required is
4NH3 (g) + 5 O2 (g) 
→ 4NO (g) + 6H2 O (g) 300°C

2NO (g) + O2 (g) 

→ 2NO2 (g)
4NO2 (g) + 2H2 O(I) + O2 (g) 
→ 4HNO3 (I)

3. Lead chamber process for manufacturing Nitric oxide

sulphuric acid.


2SO2 (g) + O2 (g) 
 2SO3 (g)
SO3 (g) + H2 O(I) 
→ H2SO4 (I)

4. Contact process for manufacture of Platinized asbestos or

sulphuric acid. vanadium pentoxide (V2O5).


SO2 (g) + O2 (g)  Temperature 400°C–450°C
 2SO3 (g)
SO3 (g) + H2 SO4 (I) 
→ H2S2O7 (I)
Oleum

H2S2O7 (I) + H2 O(I) 

→ 2H2SO4 (I)

5. Deacon process for manufacture of chlorine. Cupric chloride (CuCl2)

Temperature 500°C
4HCl(g) + O2 (g) 
→ 2H2O(I) + 2 Cl 2 (g)

6. Bosch process for manufacture of H2. (Fe2O3) as catalyst

+ Cr2O3 as a promoter.
CO + H2 + H2O(g) 
→ CO2 (g) + 2H2 (g)
Temperature 400°C–600°C.
Water gas
Surface Chemistry

15.
 S.NO Process Catalyst used

7. Synthesis of methanol. Zinc oxide (ZnO) + Cr2O3

act as promoter.
CO(g) + 2H2 (g) 
→ CH3OH(I) Pressure 200 atm & temp.
250°C

8. Hydrogenation of vegetable oils. Nickel ( very finely divided)

as catalyst + Cu as
Vegetable oil(l) + H2 (g) 
→ Vegetable ghee(s) promoter.
Temp. 150–200°C and high
pressure.

9. Manufacture of ethyl alcohol by fermentation Invertase enzyme and

of molasses (sugar solution). Zymase (yeast) enzyme.
Temp. (25°C–30°C)
Conversion occurs in 2 or 3
days.

10. Manufacture of ethyl alcohol from starch. Germinated barley

Diastase (diastase enzyme)
Starch 
→ Maltose Temperature 50°C–60°C.
Maltose Zymase
Maltose  → Glu cose  → Alchol Yeast (maltase and zymase
enzymes).
Temperature 25°C–30°C.

11. Manufacture of acetic acid from ethyl Mycoderma acetic. (Temp.

alcohol. 25°C–30°C).
C2H5OH(l) + O2 (g) 
→ CH3COOH(I) + H2 O(I)

12. Bergius process for the synthesis of petrol Ferric oxide (Fe2O3) (Temp.
form coal. 475°C)
Coal + H2 (g) 
→ Mixture of hydrocarbons
Surface Chemistry

16.
Co-enzyme: It increases activity of enzyme
catalysis and is not a catalyst. Metal ions like Na+
, O2+, Cu2+, Mn2+ act as co-enzymes. Concept Ladder

Lock and key hypothesis as a mechanism of Co-enzyme is a small non-

enzyme action: A number of cavities are present protein (Vitamin) is present
on the surface of enzymes. These cavities have along in enzyme, and this
specific shapes and groups like –NH2 –COOH, enhanced the catalytic
–OH etc. These are active centres on enzyme activity.
surfaces. Here, ‘key’ (reagent or substrate) fits in
‘lock’, that is, active site of catalyst to produce
an intermediate complex, which gets converted
into product and enzyme catalyst is released.
R


E + S 
 E − S →E + P
Activated
Complex

Q.3 Why is the ester hydrolysis slow in the beginning and becomes faster after
some time?

A.3 The ester hydrolysis takes place as follows:

RCOOR ' + H2 O   RCOOH + R ' OH
Ester Waster Acid Alcohol
Surface Chemistry

Acid produced in reaction acts as catalyst (autocatalyst) for reaction. Hence,

reaction becomes faster after some time.

17.
 Concept Ladder
Colloidal State
Graham (1862) studied process of diffusion.
Substances like sugar,
Study of dissolved substances through animal
urea, common salt, which
membrane and a parchment paper and divided
readily pass through the
substances into two classes was done by him.
membrane while in the
1. Crystalloids
dissolved state are called
2. Colloids
crystalloids.

S.No. Property True solution Colloidal state Suspension

1. Nature Homogeneous Heterogeneous Heterogeneous

1 to 100 nm or 1
Less than 1 More than 100 nm
× 10–7 to
2. Particle size nm that is, or more than 1 ×
1 × 10–5 cm or
10–7 cm or 10Å 10–5 cm or 1000Å
10–1000Å

No effect, No effect, Particles settle

Effect of gravity
Surface Chemistry

3. particles do particles do when solution is

on particles
not settle. not settle left undisturbed

18.
 S.No. Property True solution Colloidal state Suspension

Passes Pass
unchanged unchanged Does not pass
through filter through filter through filter
4. Filterability paper as well paper but not paper or animal
as animal or through animal and vegetable
vegetable or vegetable membranes
membranes membranes

Diffuses
5. Diffusion Diffuse rapidly Does not diffuse
rapidly

Particles are Particles are

They are not
completely visible to naked
visible to naked
6. Visibility invisible and eye and under a
eye, but they
thus do not microscope and
scatter light
scatter light they scatter light

Generally
Appearance of Clear and
7. clear and Opaque
solution transparent
transparent

Affects Does not affect Does not affect

Colligative
8. colligative colligative colligative
properties
properties properties properties

9. Tyndall effect Not exhibited Exhibited Not exhibited

They can be
They can be
coagulated
coagulated by They are not
10. Coagulation by adding
adding suitable coagulated
suitable
electrolytes
electrolytes

y Substances like starch, gelatin, glue, which

in dissolved state either do not pass at all Concept Ladder
or passed very slowly through membrane are
Surface Chemistry

called colloids. Colloidal state is an

y A colloid is a heterogeneous mixture of two intermediate state
immiscible phases, in which one is continuous between solution and
phase and is called dispersion. suspension.

19.
 y medium (external phase) while other is a
discontinuous phase called dispersed phase
(internal phase).
Colloidal Systems

Dispersed Dispersion
Colloidal system Examples
phase medium

Soap sols, lemonade froth,

Gas Liquid Foam or froth
whipped cream

Pumice stone, styrene foam,

Gas Solid Solid foam
foam rubber, Dried sea foam

Fog, clouds, mist fine insecticide

Liquid Gas Aerosols of liquids
sprays

Liquid Liquid Emulsions Milk, cold cream, tonics

Cheese, butter, boot polish, table

Liquid Solid Gels
jellies

Solid Gas Aerosols of solids Smoke, dust, haze

paints, starch dispersed in water,

Solid Liquid Sols
gold sol, muddy water, inks

Ruby glass, gem stones,

Solid Solid Solid sols
minerals.

Classification of Colloids
Colloids can be classified into a number
Concept Ladder
of ways based upon some of important
characteristics.
Based upon appearance When the dispersion
y A colloidal system in which dispersion medium is alcohol
medium is liquid or gas is called a sol. They are or benzene, they are
Surface Chemistry

known as hydrosols or aquasols if dispersion accordingly called alcosols

medium is water. or benzosol.
y Colloidal systems in which the dispersion
medium is a gas are called aerosols.

20.
21.
Surface Chemistry
 A systems in which dispersion medium is a
solid & is known as gels, for example, cheese.
Based upon charge
The colloids that can be classified into Concept Ladder
positive or negative colloids according to charge
present on dispersed phase particle. Colloids of metal hydroxides
Based on interaction or affinity of phase are generally positively charged
y Lyophilic colloids (Suspensoid): The colloidal while colloids of metal sulphides
systems in which the particle of dispersed are negatively charged.
phase have great affinity for the dispersion
medium, are called lyophilic (solvent loving)
colloids. Some common examples of lyophilic
colloids are gum, gelatin, starch, rubber and
protein.
y Lyophobic colloids (Emulsoid): A colloidal
systems in which particles of dispersed
phase have no affinity for dispersion medium
are called lyophobic (solvent hating) colloids.
Few examples of lyophobic colloids include
Rack your Brain
sols of metals and their insoluble compounds
like oxides and sulphides.
y Based on molecular size: Depending upon What is Emulsoid?
molecular size, colloidal system has been
classified into three groups:
y Multimolecular colloids: The multimolecular
colloidal particles consist of aggregate of
atoms or small molecules with diameters
less than 10–9 m or 1 nm. For example, gold
sol, sulphur sol.
y Macromolecular colloids: Macromolecular
colloidal particles themselves are very large
molecules. They have high molecular masses Previous Year’s Question
varying from thousands to millions. Examples
of naturally occurring macromolecules are Fog is a colloidal solution of
starch, proteins and cellulose. Example of  [NEET]
artificial macromolecules are polyethylene, (1)  solid in gas
nylon, dacron, synthetic rubber, polystyrene, (2) gas in gas
Surface Chemistry

and plastics. (3) liquid in gas

(4) gas in liquid

22.
y The associated colloids or micelles: These
type of colloids behave as normal electrolytes
at low concentrations but behave as colloids
at higher concentrations because at higher
concentrations, (above C.M.C.) and above
kraft temperature they form aggregated
(associated) particles called miscellas. Soap
and synthetic detergents are some examples
of associated colloids. They produce ions
which may have colloidal dimensions.

 − +
RCOONa 
 RCOO + Na
Difference Between Lyophilic and Lyophobic Sols

S.No Property Lyophilic sols Lyophobic sols

1. Nature Reversible Irreversible

They can be prepared

They can be prepared
very easily by shaking or
by special methods and
warming the substance with
2. Preparation addition of stabilizer
dispersion medium. They do
is essential for their
not require any electrolyte
stability
for stabilization.

They are generally

They are so stable that they
unstable and get easily
3. Stability are not easily coagulated by
coagulated on addition of
electrolytes.
electrolytes

Particles may carry no

Colloidal particles have
charge or very little charge
4. Charge characteristic charge
depending upon the pH of
(positive or negative).
the medium

It is much higher than that of It is nearly same as that

5. Viscosity
medium. of medium.
Surface Chemistry

Surface Surface tension is usually It is nearly same as that

6.
tension less than medium. of the medium.

23.
 S.No Property Lyophilic sols Lyophobic sols

The colloidal particles

Migration in The particles may or may not migrate either towards
7.
electric field migrate in an electric field cathode or anode in an
electric field

8. Solvation Particles are highly solvated Particles are not solvated

The particles though

The particles cannot be seen
9. Visibility invisible, can be seen
under ultra-microscope
under ultra-microscope.

10. Tyndall effect Less distinct More distinct

They have high osmotic

They have relatively higher
pressure, small
osmotic pressure, high
depression of freezing
Colligative depression of freezing point,
11. point, less elevation
electrolyte high elevation in boiling point
of boiling point, and
and high lowering of vapour
less lowering of vapour
pressure.
pressure

Large amount of electrolyte Small amount of

Action of
12. is required to cause electrolyte is sufficient to
electrolyte
coagulation. cause coagulation

Due to their sensitivity in

electrolyte, conductivity
They show high conductivity
13. Conductivity can rarely be measured
which can be measured.
over a considerable range
of concentration

The measurement of It can be easily

14. Cataphoresis
cataphoresis is difficult measured.

Most of the organic Generally inorganic

Surface Chemistry

substances for example, substances for example,

15. Examples
starch, gums, proteins, metal sols, sulphides and
gelatin. oxides sols.

24.
 The long-chain RCOO– ions combine or
aggregate at higher concentration and form
micelles and behave as colloids. They may
contain 100 or more molecules. Some cationic
surfactants like also behave micelles above kraft
temperature and critical micelles concentration.

For example,
(1) Cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide Concept Ladder
[CH3 (CH2 )15 N+ (CH3 )3 Br] Sodium stearate

C17H35COONa (Anionic
(2) p-dodecyl benzene sulphonate Surfactant) is an example
of an associated colloid.
In water it gives Na+ and
(3) Cetyl Pyridinium chloride stearate, (C17H35COO–) ions.
Surface Chemistry

These ions associate to

form micelles of colloidal
(4) Sodium lauryl sulphate size.
CH3(CH2)4 SO4 Na

25.
 Preparation of Lyophilic Sols
Substances which are coined as intrinsic
colloids such as gelatin, starch and rubber, are Concept Ladder
converted into colloidal solutions when heated
with water or some other suitable solvent. The Blood is a colloidal
colloidal solutions thus obtained are known as solution. In case of kidney
failure, blood cannot
lyophilic sols. Such sols are reversible and are
be purified. Under such
quite stable.
condition, the blood is
Preparation of Lyophobic Sols separated from dissolved
Few substances which are termed as extrinsic toxic impurities by dialysis
colloids (such as metals), are not passed directly and re-introduced in the
into a colloidal solution but are passed when they blood stream.
are treated with water or other solvents. These
substances are converted into colloidal solutions
by following two methods:
y Dispersion methods
y Condensation methods
Rack your Brain
Dispersion method
These methods are used to break down bigger To which colloidal system does
particles to size of colloidal particles. The various mist belong?
dispersion methods used are:
1. 
Mechanical dispersion method: Coarse
particles of substance to be dispersed are
agitated with dispersion medium, i.e, water
or some other liquid, to obtain a suspension.
After that, suspension is passed through a
mill (colloidal). For example, varnish , colloids Previous Year’s Question
of paint.
2. Electro-disintegration method (Bredig’s Measuring zeta potential is useful
arc method): Colloidal solution of metals in determining which property of
colloidal solution?  [NEET]
like silver, gold or platinum are obtained by
(1)  Viscosity
electro-disintegration method. (Bredig’s arc
(2) Solubility
method). In this, metals (Ag, Cu, Pt) whose (3) Stability of the colloidal
Surface Chemistry

colloidal solution is to be prepared are taken particles

as electrodes and are dipped in the cold- (4) Size of the colloidal particles
water having KOH as stabilizer.

26.
 Concept Ladder

Electro-dispersion method
is not suitable when the
dispersion medium is an
organic lqiuid.

Rack your Brain

3. Peptization: This process involves conversion
of fresh precipitates into colloidal solution is What are the causes of
called peptization. Electrolyte which is added peptization?
is known aspeptizing agent or dispersing
agent.
y For example, to a freshly precipitated solution
of ferric hydroxide converts into a colloid
when small amount of electrolyte ferric
chloride is added.

Concept Ladder
y Peptization may be carried out by the
following ways: The colloidal solution of
(a) By dispersion medium silicic acid is also obtained
(b) By washing a precipitate by hydrolysis of dilute
(c) By electrolyte solution of sodium silicate
Cause of peptization: On adding electrolyte with 4N hydrochloric
Surface Chemistry

to freshly precipitated substance, particles of acid which is added drop

precipitate preferentially adsorb a particular by drop with constant
type of ion of electrolyte and get dispersed due stringing.

27.
 to electrostatic repulsion. This produces particles
of the colloid.
Fe(OH)3 + Fe3+ 
→ Fe(OH)3 Fe3+ Concept Ladder
Pr ecipitate Colloidal sol

Condensation methods: These type of methods Lyophilic colloids such as

involve growing of size of dispersed phase to starch, gelatin, etc., act as
size of colloidal particles. Various condensation protective colloids.
methods used are:
y Physical methods
y Chemical methods
Chemical methods
1. By double decomposition: A colloidal solution
of As2S3 may be obtained by passing hydrogen
sulphide gas through cold dilute solution of
arsenious oxide in water.
Rack your Brain
As2O3 + 3H2S 
→ As2S3 + 3H2O
Intense yellow colloidal
solution
Which property can be used to
he solution of As2S3 is negatively charged
T distinguish collidal solution from
because sulphide ions are absorbed on true solution?
solution particles.
2. By hydrolysis: A deep red colloidal solution
of is Fe(OH)3 fomed by hydrolysis of ferric
chloride when its dilute solution is boiled
with water.
FeCl 3 + 3H2O 
→ Fe(OH)3 + 3HCl
Deep red colloidal
solution
Previous Year’s Question
3. By oxidation: A colloidal solution of sulphur
is obtained by the oxidation of hydrogen Which one of the following
sulphide with dilute nitric acid or bromine method is commonly used
water or sulphur dioxide. method for destruction of
H2S + 2HNO3 
→ 2H2O + 2NO2 + S colloid? [NEET]
Colloidal
(1) Dialysis
4. By reduction: A colloidal solution of Au(gold)
(2) Condensation
is obtained by reduction of gold chloride
(3) Filteration by animal
with stannous chloride or formaldehyde or
membrane
Surface Chemistry

hydrazine.
(4) By adding electrolyte
2AuCl 3 + 3SnCl 2 
→ 3SnCl 4
+ 2Au
Purple of cassius

28.
Physical methods
1. By excess cooling: Colloidal solution of ice in
an organic solvent like ether or chloroform Previous Year’s Question
is obtained by freezing a solution of water in
solvent. When a few typical solutes are
2. By exchange of solvent: Substances like separated by a particular selective
sulphur, phenolphthalein and resin which membrane such as protein
are highly soluble in alcohol or some other particles, blood corpuscles, this
organic solvent yield colloidal solutions when process is called. [AIPMT]
their solutions in alcohol or other solvents (1) transpiration
are poured into water, in which substances (2) endosmosis
are less soluble. Colloidal solutions thus (3) dialysis
obtained are less stable. (4) diffusion
3. By passing vapour of substance through
solvent: Colloidal solutions of substances like
sulphur and mercury in water, are prepared
by passing vapours of substance in cold
water containing a little amount of ammonium Rack your Brain
citrate as a stabilizing agent.
Purification of Colloidal Solutions Can a colloidal solution conduct
electricity?
The following methods are commonly used
for the purification of a sol:
Dialysis: The process of removing a dissolved
substance from the colloidal solution (system) by
means of diffusion through a suitable membrane
is called dialysis and the apparatus used for this Previous Year’s Question
purpose is known as dialyser (parchment paper
or animal membrane). Which mixture of the solutions
will lead to the formation of
negatively charged colloidal [AgI]
sol? [NEET]
(1)  50 mL of 0.1 M AgNO3 + 50 mL
of 0.1 M KI
(2) 50 mL of 1 M AgNO3 + 50 mL
of 1.5 M KI
(3) 50 mL of 1 M AgNO3 + 50 mL
Surface Chemistry

of 2 M KI
(4) 50 mL of 2 M AgNO3 + 50 mL
of 1.5 M KI

29.
 Electrodialysis : In electrodialysis, dialysis bag
is surrounded by two electrodes. When a high
potential is given, cation and anion of electrolyte
are attracted by oppositely charged electrodes
and impurities are easily and quickly removed Definitions
from colloidal solution (sol). By this method, we
can not remove non- electrolyte impurities. The process of dialysis can be
Ultrafiltration: The process of separating the accelerated by applying an
colloidal particles from the solvent and solute electric field. This process is
using specially prepared filters which are called Electrodialysis.
permeable to all substances present, except
colloidal particles, is called ultrafiltration. For it,
we use cellophone membrane (4% solution of
Nitro cellulose in Alcohol and ether i.e., collodion
solution)

Properties of Colloidal Solutions

The various properties of colloidal solutions are: Concept Ladder
y Physical properties
y Mechanical properties Ultra filtration is a slow
Surface Chemistry

y Optical properties process. To speed up

y Electrical properties the process, pressure or
y Colligative properties suction is used.

30.
Physical properties
1. Heterogeneity: Colloidal solutions are
heterogeneous consisting of two phases, viz.,
Concept Ladder
dispersed phase and dispersion medium.
2. Filterability: Colloidal particles readily pass- Experiments like dialysis
through ordinary filter papers as the size of and ultra-filtration indicate
the pores of the filter paper is larger than that the heterogenous nature of
of the colloidal particles. the colloidal system.
3. Non-setting nature: Colloidal solutions
are quite stable as the colloidal particles
remain suspended in the dispersion medium
indefinitely, that is, there is no effect of gravity
on the colloidal particles.
4. Colour: The colour of the colloidal solution
is not always the same as the colour of the
substances in the bulk. The colour of the
colloidal solution depends upon the following Rack your Brain
factors:
(a) Size and shape of colloidal particles The brownian movements is due
(b) Wavelength of the source of light to?
(c) Method of preparation of the colloidal
solution
5. Stability: Colloidal solutions are quite stable.
For example:
(a) 
Finest gold is red in colour (has a very
small particle size) as the size of particles
increases, it becomes purple.
(b) Dilute milk gives a bluish tinge in reflected
light while it gives a reddish tinge in Concept Ladder
transmitted light.

The way an observer
Mechanical properties
receives the light, that is,
1. Brownian movement: It is the dispersal
whether by reflection or by
medium in which the colloid particles exhibit
transmission.
swarming zig-zag and a ceasless random
motion. It was firstly shown by Robert Brown.
Dispersed phase particles starts moving in the
direction of net force when a colloid is formed
Surface Chemistry

between the dispersal medium particles and

the dispersed phase particles. It increases
the stability of colloids. It is far more smaller
particle and in less viscous solvent.

31.
 2. Sedimentation: The heavier sol particles tend
to settle down very slowly under the influence
of gravity. This event is called sedimentation.
3. Diffusion: The colloidal particles have a
tendency to diffuse from high concentration
to a low concentration. The rate of diffusion
of colloidal particles is less than that of true
Previous Year’s Question
solutions.
Optical properties (Tyndall effect)
Which property of colloidal
The path of a strong and conveying beam
solution is independent of charge
of light (wavelength between UV and visible
on the colloidal particles?[NEET]
region) becomes visible whenever it is passed
(1) Electroosmosis
through a colloidal solution and is viewed at right
(2) Coagulation
angles to the beam of light.
For devising the ultramicroscope, Tyndall (3) Tyndall effect
effect was used by Siedentop and Zsigmondy. (4) Electrophoresis
The sky looks blue due to the scattering of
light by colloid particles and also when a beam
Surface Chemistry

of light passes through a dark area dust particles

are visible.

32.
Electrical properties: The following are the two
electrical properties of colloidal solutions:
1. 
Electrophoresis or cataphoresis: The
phenomenon in which under the influence
of electric field, the colloidal particles get
migrated towards the oppositely charged
electorde is known as electrophoresis or
cataphoresis. It helps in finding charge on
colloid particles.

Q.4 Why the sun looks red at the time of setting? Explain on the basis of colloidal
properties.

A.4 The light emitted by the sun at the time of setting when the sun is at the
horizon, has to travel a longer distance through the atmosphere. As a result,
blue part of the light is scattered away by the dust particles in the atmosphere.
Hence, the red part is visible.
Surface Chemistry

33.
 2. Electro-osmosis: This involves the migration
of the dispersion medium & not the colloidal
particles under influence of an electric field.
It helps in drying dye pastes, in removing
water from peat, etc. Rack your Brain
Origin of charge
Many reasons were given for the origin of What is the application of
charge on the colloidal particles. They can be electro- osmosis?
followed as:
1. Frictional electrification: By rubbing of the
Surface Chemistry

dispersed phase particles with molecules of

the medium, it is believed to be frictional.

34.
2. 
Dissociation of the surface molecules: By
dissociation, electric charges is formed on
colloidal particles. For ex. dissociation of soap
(sodium palmitate) into ions in an aqueous
solution. Previous Year’s Question
  − +
C15H31COONa   C15H31COO + Na
Sodium palmitate On which of the following
properties does the coagulating
The sodium ions pass into the solution
power of an ion depend? [NEET]
while C15H31COO– ions have a tendency to
(1) the magnitude of the charge
form aggregates due to weaker forces of
on the ion alone
attraction present in the hydrocarbon chains.
(2) Size of the ion alone
Therefore, the anions which are of collidal
(3) Both magnitude and sign of
size carries negative charge.
charge on the ion
3. Preferential adsorption of ions from solution:
(4) The sign of charge on the ion
The colloidal particles can aquire electric
alone
charges by preferentially adsorbing positive
or negative ions from the electrolyte. Silver
chloride particles can absorb Cl– ions from
chloride solutions (KCl) and Ag+ ions from
solution having Ag+ ions AgNO3. In the first
case the solution will be negatively charged
whereas for second case it will be positively
charged.
Sols with electrical charge
y Positively charged sols: Aluminium hydroxide,
ferric hydroxide, basic dyes such as hydrated Concept Ladder
metallic oxides, haemoglobin, methylene
The removal of charge by
blue.
any means that lead to the
y Negatively charged sols: Metals, such as gold,
aggregation of particles
silver, platinum, metal sulphides like arsenius
for precipitation is known
sulphide, starch, gum, gelatin, charcoal clay,
as coagulation and the
salycylic acid, acid dyes (such as eosin).
minimum amount of an
Coagulation or flocculation: The presence of
electrolyte required to
electric charges on the colloidal particles makes
cause precipitation of one
the colloidal sols stable. By electrical repulsion,
litre of a colloidal solution
the particles do not come close to one another
is called coagulation value
for forming precipitates.
Surface Chemistry

or flocculation value of the

y The reciprocal of coagulation value is termed
electrolyte for the sol.
as the coagulating power.
Hardy–Schulz rule: This rule states that, “With
increase in the valency of the active electrolyte
ion, its power to precipitate the sol increases.”
35.
 y Si+4 > Al3+ > Mg2+ > Na+ is the order for
coagulation power of cations for negatively
charged colloids.
Protection and gold number: By using a Concept Ladder
protective lyophillic colloid, protections is
The coagulation power of
involved in protecting the lyophobic colloid from
anion for positively charged
co- agulation. The power of protection can be sol is
expressed as gold number. [Fe(CN)6]4– > PO43– > SO4 2–
> Cl–
The value of the protective colloid in milligrams
(mg) needed to prevent the coagulation of a
standard 10 mL gold sol when 1ml of 10% solution
of NaCl is added to it, is termed as its gold
number.
Gold number is inversly proportional to the Definitions
protection power.
Colloid Gelatin Gum Haemoglobin Starch Colloidal solutions too exhibit
colligative properties such as
Gold no.0.005–0.01 0.15 0.03 25
osmotic pressure, lowering of
e.g., Gelatin is added in ice creams to protect co-
vapour pressure, depression in
agulation of ice particles. freezing point and elevation in
Colligative properties: Due to the large size of boiling point.
colloidal particles, the effect of colloidal particle
on colligative properties is very small, except
osmotic pressure.
Emulsions
There are two types of emulsions: (a) water in
oil, (b) oil in water emulsions.
To test the type of emulsion, either dye test
or conductance measurement test may be
Definitions
performed.
y Hydrophilic emulsifiers: these emulsifiers Emulsion is a colloidal solution
are used to promote formation of oil-water of two immiscible liquids, in
emulsions like milk as they can dissolve which the liquid acts as the
dispersed phase as well as the
better in water than in oil. dispersion medium.
Surface Chemistry

y Hydrophobic emulsifiers: on the other side,

these emulsifiers can dissolve better in oil
than in water and therefore these favour
formation of water–oil emulsions as in cold
cream.
36.
Uses of emulsions
1. Many pharmaceutical preparations, medicines,
ointments, creams and various lotion are
emulsions. It is believed that medicines are
more effective and easily assimilated by the
body tissues when they are in colloidal form,
that is, as emulsions. Concept Ladder
2. All paints are emulsions.
3. Soaps and detergents remove dust and dirt The digestion of fat in
from the dirty piece of cloth by making an oil the intestines is aided by
in water emulsion. emulsification. Fat present
4. Milk is an emulsion of liquid fats in water. in food is emulsified by
5. In froth floatation process, an oil is added to alkaline bile juices secreted
the finelydivided ore taken in water. from the small intestines,
The particles of ore go on to the surface due thus making it easier for
to the formation of foams while the other the digestive enzymes to
impurities are left at the bottom of the vessel. carry out their metabolic
6. The emulsion of asphalt in water is used in functions.
constructing roads and buildings.
Gels
Surface Chemistry

Gels are that type of colloids in which

dispersed phase and dispersion medium are made
up of liquid and solid substance respectively.

37.
 y Hydrophilic sols of agar-agar, gum-arabic,
gamboges, mastic and gelatin can be
converted by cooling them under moderate
concentration condition into gels.
y Hydrophobic gels like aluminium hydroxide
and silicic acid commonly known as alumina Rack your Brain
gel and silica gel, are prepared by method of
double decomposition. Write 5 examples of emulsion
y Change of solvent method is also used for with dispersion phase and
preparing hydrophobic gels, for ex. when dispersion medium.
C2H5OH is added rapidly to the solution of
C4H6CaO4 of fair concentration, gelation
occurs after some time.
Elastic gels
y Elastic gels can swallow water when placed
in it and causes swelling. This is known as
swelling or imbibition. Examples of elastic
gels are agar-agar, starch and gelatin.
Non-elastic gels Definitions
y These are irreversible gels, when hydrated,
can be changed into powder or become Sols, when coagulated under
glassy. They cannot be changed into their some special conditions, change
original form when hydration is followed by into semi-rigid mass, enclosing
warming. whole amount of liquid within
y Non-elastic gels cannot swellow water itself. This semi-rigid mass is
therefore they do not cause the swelling known as a gel.
phenomenon.
y Alumina, silica and ferric oxide gels are
important examples of non-elastic gels.
y When external pressure is applied on gel, it
increases the rate of syneresis. Definitions
Thixotropy: Some of the gels, specially silica
(irreversible) and gelatin (reversible) liquefy on These are reversible gels. When
shaking, changes to corresponding sols. The partially dehydrated, they
sol reverts back to gel. This process of sol–gel change into a solid mass. This
transformation is known as thixotropy. mass changes back into its
Application of Colloids original form on simple addition
Surface Chemistry

Food of water, followed by slight

1. Mostly food items are colloidal in nature. For heating.
ex. casein is a lyophilic colloid.
2.  For preserving smoothness of ice cream,
gelatine is added as a protective colloid.

38.
Medicine
1. Colloidal gold and calcium are administered
by injections for enhancing the vitality of the Concept Ladder
human body.
2.  2. Colloidal silver (protagol and argyrols) Both elastic and non elastic
are used for eye lotions. gels undergo shrinking in
3. For insecticides, colloidal sulphure is used. volume when allowed to
4. Emulsions such as dettol and phenyl are used stand. This phenomenon is
as disinfectants. known as syneresis.
5. Colloidal antimony is used to treat kala-azar.
6. Colloidal arsenic is used for treatment of eye
diseases.
Industrial materials
1. Varnishes, enamels cellulose, paints, resins,
glues, gums and other adhesives are colloidal
in nature.
2.  Latex is a suspension of negatively charged
colloidal particles of rubber. Rack your Brain
Rubber plating: By the process of electrophoresis,
there is deposition of negatively charged particles Why non-elastic gels do not
of latex on handles of various tools or wires to undergo swelling?
insulate them. Anode is made by the particle
which is to be rubber plated. Under the effect
of an electrical field the rubber particles get
migrated towards the anode and deposited on it.
Detergent action of soap: The addition of soap
reduces the interfacial tension between grease
and water & this causes emulsification of grease
in water. Dirt is released by mechanical action.
Previous Year’s Question
Cleaning of water: Fine clay produces turbidity
in water by its negatively charged particles. The
Which one of the following forms
addition of aluminium sulphate or potash-alum
micelles in aqueous solution
furnishes trivalent Al3+ ions causing coagulation
above certain concentration?
of clay particles. By this coagulum settles
 [AIPMT]
downwards and thussuspensions are cleared
(1) Dodecyl trimethyl ammonium
from water.
chloride
Cottrell precipitator: The principle of
(2) Glucose
Surface Chemistry

electrophoresis is used for removal of dust and

(3) Urea
smoke particles from air.
(4) Pyridinium chloride

39.
 Chrome-tanning: It is the process of penetrating
positively charged particles of hydrated chromic
oxide into leather. Previous Year’s Question
Smoke screens: Titanium dioxide is used in
smoke screen as it makes the smoke rapidly The protecting power of lyophilic
settle down. colloidal sol is expressed in terms
Formation of deltas: There is formation of deltas, of  [NEET]
in the area where big rivers meet the sea. (1)  Coagulation value
By the salts present in the sea water the charged (2) Gold number
clay particles carried by river water as suspension (3) Critical micelle concentration
are precipitated out. (4) Oxidation number
Surface Chemistry

40.
Q.5 Why do we add alum to purify water?

A.5 Muddy water contains mud particles which are colloidal in nature and carry
charge. Alum provides Al3+ ions which bring about coagulation of mud particles
which settle down.

Q.6 What is the ‘coagulation’ process?

A.6 Coagulation or precipitation of the solution is the process for settling of

colloidal particles.

Q.7 What is meant by ‘shape-selective catalysis’ of reactions?

A.7 Shape-elective catalysis is the catalyst reaction in which small sized molecules
are absorbed in the cavities and pores of selective adsorbents like zeolites.

Q.8 Out of NH3 and CO2 which gas will be adsorbed more readily on the surface of
activated charcoal and why?

A.8 NH3 gas has higher critical temperature than CO2 and also it can be liquified
easily therefore, it will be adsorbed more readily on activated charcoal. Its
van der Waals forces are stronger.

Q.9 Write two applications of adsorption.

A.9 Applications of adsorption :

1. Charcoal, in gas masks is used which adsorbs poisonous gases in mines
2. In decolorisation of sugar.
Surface Chemistry

41.
 Q.10 Why do true solutions not show Tyndall effect?

A.10 In true solution, the wavelength of the light used is much larger than the
diameter of the dispersed particles, hence there is no scattering of light.

Q.11 Why is adsorption always exothermic?

A.11 Adsorption is accompanied by decrease of randomness. For the process to

be spontaneous,
ΔG must be negative.
Hence, according to equation ΔG = ΔH – TΔS, ΔG can be -ve only if ΔH is
negative.

Q.12 A delta is formed at the melting point of sea water and river water. Why?

A.12 On the meeting point of river water and sea water, delta is formed due to
coagulation of colloidal clay particles.

Q.13 Write one similarity between physisorption and chemisorption.

A.13 Both physisorption and chemisorption increase with increase in pressure.

Both increase with increase in surface area.

Q.14 Why do we see a beam coming from projector to screen in a cinema hall?

A.14 This is due to scattering of light coming from the projector by the particles of
the dust present in the air and falling in the path of the beam of light.

Q.15 Why causes Brownian movement in a colloidal solution?

A.15 Brownian movement, i.e., zig-zig movement of the colloidal particles is due
to hitting of these particles by molecules of dispersion medium with different
Surface Chemistry

forces from different directions.

42.
Q.16 What type of solutions are formed on dissolving different concentrations of
soap in water?

A.16 At low concentration, soap solution form a true solution. At concentrations

above crirtical micelle concentration (cmc), it forms a colloidal sol.

Q.17 Why artificial rain can be caused by throwing common salt on the clouds?

A.17 Clouds are formed by colloidal dispersion of water particles in air. The
colloidal water particles carry charge. On throwing common salt on the clouds
coagulation of water particles takes place as common salt is an electroluyte.

Q.18 On the basis of Hardy-Schulze rule explain why coagulating power of phosphate
is higher than chloride.

A.18 According to Hardy-Schulze rule, greater than valency of the flocculating ion
added, greater is its power to cause coagulation or precipitiation. Phosphate
ion (PO43-) has greater charge than chloride ion (Cl­-
). Hence, PO43- ion has
greater coagulating power.

Q.19 Why does bleeding stop by rubbing mois alum?

A.19 Moist alum coagulates the blood as it is a colloidal sol. and alum provides Al3+
ions. As a result, a clot of blood is formed. Hence, it stops bleeding.

Q.20 Do the vital functions of the body such as diagestion get affected dcuring
fever? Explain your answer.

A.20 Yes, vital functions of the body are affected during fever. This is because
Surface Chemistry

biological reactions taking place in our body are catalysed by enzymes. These
enzymes show maximum activity in the temperature range 298-310K. during
fever, when temperature rises above 310K, enzuymatic activity becomes less.

43.
 Chapter Summary

1. When the collidal soltuion of cellulose nitrate is prepared in ethanol, then the

solution is called as collodion.

2. The purification of blood by artifical kidney is performed by the process of dialysis.

3. By scattering of light due to colloidal dust particles dispersed in air the colour of sky

appears to be blue.

4. Mutual coagulation is the process in which the solutions are percipitated

simultaneously. For example when negatively charged As2S3 solution is added to

positively charged Fe(OH)3 solution in suitable amounts.

5. Flocculation value of an ion

1
∝
Coagulating power of the ion

6. For the contribution in colloidal chemistry, Zsigmondy was awarded the Nobel prize

chemistry in 1925.

7. Ostwald introduced congo rubin number. Which is defined as “The amount of

protective colloid in mg. That prevents colour change in 100ml of 0.01% congo rubin

dye. From the addition of 0.16gn KCl.

8. In case of soaps and detergents C.M.C is 10–4 — 10–3 M/L

9. Fresh precipitates of CdS, HgS are peptized by H2S.

10. Fresh precipitates of Stannic acid is peptized by HCl(eq) or NH3(eq.)

Surface Chemistry

11. Colloid solution of Graphite is called Aquadag.

44.