Surface Chemistry
Colloids
Colloids
Colloidal systems involve a dispersed phase (particles) and a dispersion
medium. Colloids have particle sizes between 1 nm and 1000 nm.
Types of Colloidal Systems
● Sol: Solid dispersed in a liquid (e.g., ink, blood).
● Gel: Liquid dispersed in a solid (e.g., jelly).
● Aerosol: Liquid or solid dispersed in a gas (e.g., fog, smoke).
Dispersed Dispersion Type of Examples
Phase Medium Colloid
Solid Solid Solid sol Some coloured glasses and
gemstones
Liquid Sol Paints, cell fluids
Gas Aerosol Smoke, dust
Liquid Solid Gel Cheese, butter, jellies
Liquid Emulsion Milk, hair cream
Gas Aerosol Fog, mist, cloud, insecticide
sprays
Gas Solid Solid sol Pumice stone, foam rubber
Liquid Foam Froth, whipped cream, soap
lather
Classification of Colloids Based on Interaction
1. Lyophilic Colloids: Solvent-loving colloids, which are stable and reversible
(e.g., starch in water).
2. Lyophobic Colloids: Solvent-hating colloids, which are unstable and
irreversible (e.g., gold sol).
Type of Particles of the Dispersed Phase:
Based on the type of particles in the dispersed phase, colloids can be classified
as:
● Multimolecular Colloids: Aggregates of a large number of small
molecules (e.g., sulfur sol).
● Macromolecular Colloids: Large molecules dispersed in a medium,
forming a colloidal system (e.g., starch, proteins).
● Associated Colloids (Micelles): These are formed by the aggregation of
molecules at higher concentrations, like soap or detergent solutions,
which form micelles. At low concentrations, they act as normal
electrolytes.
Preparation of Colloids
1. Dispersion Methods: Breaking down larger particles into colloidal sizes
(e.g., colloid mills).
2. Condensation Methods: Forming colloidal particles from smaller
molecules (e.g., chemical reactions like hydrolysis).
Purification of Colloids
● Dialysis: Process of separating colloidal particles from impurities using a
semi-permeable membrane.
● Electrodialysis: Dialysis under the influence of an electric field.
Positively Charged Sols Negatively Charged Sols
Hydrated metallic oxides (e.g., Al₂O₃.xH₂O, Metals (e.g., copper, silver,
CrO₃.xH₂O, Fe₂O₃.xH₂O) gold sols)
Basic dye stuffs (e.g., methylene blue sol) Metallic sulphides (e.g., As₂S₃,
Sb₂S₃, CdS sols)
Haemoglobin (blood) Acid dye stuffs (e.g., eosin,
congo red sols)
Oxides (e.g., TiO₂ sol) Sols of starch, gum, gelatin,
clay, charcoal, etc.
Important Colloidal Phenomena
1. Tyndall Effect
The Tyndall effect refers to the scattering of light by colloidal particles when a
beam of light passes through a colloidal solution. This phenomenon makes the
path of the light beam visible in colloidal solutions, unlike in true solutions where
light passes through without scattering.
● Mechanism: Colloidal particles are large enough (1-1000 nm) to scatter
light in different directions. When a strong beam of light is directed
through the colloidal solution, the colloidal particles scatter the light in
such a way that the beam becomes visible from the side.
● Example: The Tyndall effect can be seen when sunlight passes through a
dense forest or a dusty room, where the light scatters off the dust
particles making the path of the beam visible.
This effect is used to distinguish colloidal solutions from true solutions, as true
solutions do not scatter light.
2. Brownian Movement
Brownian movement is the continuous, random motion of colloidal particles in
a colloidal solution. This erratic movement is caused by the constant collisions
between the colloidal particles and the smaller molecules of the dispersion
medium.
● Mechanism: In a colloidal system, the dispersed particles are bombarded
by the molecules of the dispersion medium. These collisions are unequal in
force and direction, leading to the colloidal particles moving in a zigzag or
random manner.
● Significance: This movement helps to keep the colloidal particles
dispersed and prevents them from settling due to gravity. Brownian
movement provides stability to colloidal systems.
● Example: The motion of pollen grains in water (first observed by Robert
Brown in 1827) is an example of Brownian movement.
3. Electrophoresis
Electrophoresis is the movement of colloidal particles towards one of the
electrodes when an electric field is applied to a colloidal solution. Colloidal
particles carry either a positive or negative charge, which causes them to move
towards the electrode of opposite charge under the influence of an electric field.
● Mechanism: When an electric field is applied, the charged colloidal
particles migrate towards the oppositely charged electrode. This
migration is known as electrophoresis. If the particles reach the electrode,
they can lose their charge and precipitate out of the solution.
● Significance: Electrophoresis is used in separating and purifying colloidal
particles. It also provides evidence that colloidal particles are charged.
● Example: In colloidal solutions like ferric hydroxide sol, the positively
charged colloidal particles move towards the negative electrode when an
electric field is applied.
