Revisiting Zeta Potential, the Key Feature of Interfacial Phenomena, with Applications and Recent Advancements

Abstract

Abstract Surface of a particle is inevitably charged. When the particle is surrounded by a fluid a potential difference arises between the surface and bulk, called zeta potential (ζ) which controls many interfacial properties of the particle involving in suspension, emulsion, colloid etc. Many phenomena happening around us have at least one step that passes through an interface. Thus, the application of ζ is practically uncountable. Discovered in late 19 th century, almost past 120 years, the application of ζ has emerged in many areas to meet the fruitful need of mankind. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no report disclosed citing the applications at one place as a ready tool for the readers. The present review accumulates extensive survey of literature, bringing out various aspects of ζ in chemistry, engineering, biology, material, and environmental sciences. A brief theoretical background mentioning the principle and practical applications were focused.