Several techniques are employed to study interfacial interactions in nanotechnology:
1. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM): AFM can measure the forces between a probe and a sample surface at the nanoscale, providing insights into van der Waals, electrostatic, and other interactions.
2. Zeta Potential Analysis: This technique measures the potential difference between the dispersion medium and the stationary layer of fluid attached to the dispersed particle. It is a critical parameter for understanding electrostatic stability in colloidal systems.
3. Contact Angle Measurement: This assesses the wettability of a surface and provides information on hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions. A lower contact angle indicates a hydrophilic surface, while a higher angle indicates a hydrophobic surface.
4. Spectroscopic Methods: Techniques like FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) and XPS (X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy) can provide information on the chemical nature of the interface, including the presence of hydrogen bonds or covalent attachments.
