Electrokinetic potential

Client: rupertharris

Location: Glossary

This potential, often called 'zeta potential', is the potential difference in the solution caused by a residual, unbalanced charge on an adjacent surface. This charge causes a counter-charge distribution in the adjoining solution producing a double layer. The electrokinetic potential causes the effects of electrophoresis, electro-osmosis, streaming potential, and sedimentation potential. The electrokinetic potential is different from the electrode potential in that it occurs exclusively in the solution phase, i.e. it represents the reversible work necessary to bring a unit charge from infinity in the solution up to the interface in question but not through the interface.

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