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Adsorption at Liquid Interfaces

Definition

  • Adsorption at liquid interfaces involves the accumulation of molecules (adsorbates) at the boundary between two phases, reducing surface or interfacial tension.

Mechanism

  • Surface Activity: Molecules with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions orient themselves at interfaces.

  • Gibbs Adsorption Isotherm: Describes the relationship between surface tension and concentration.

Adsorption at Liquid Interfaces

where:

  • Γ is the surface excess concentration.

  • R is the gas constant.

  • T is the temperature.

  • γ is the surface tension.

  • C is the concentration of the adsorbate.

Factors Influencing Adsorption

  • Concentration: Higher concentrations increase adsorption until saturation.

  • Molecular Structure: Amphiphilic molecules adsorb more readily.

  • Temperature: Generally, adsorption decreases with increasing temperature.

Applications of Adsorption at Liquid Interfaces

  • Emulsion Stabilization: Surfactants adsorb at oil-water interfaces.

  • Foam Formation: Proteins and surfactants stabilize gas-liquid interfaces.

  • Drug Delivery: Adsorption affects drug release from carriers.


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