Monitoring the stability of colloidal systems is crucial for ensuring their effectiveness in applications. Several techniques are used for this purpose:
Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) DLS measures the size distribution of particles in a colloidal suspension by analyzing the scattering of light. Changes in size distribution can indicate aggregation or instability.
Zeta Potential The zeta potential measures the electrical charge on the surface of nanoparticles. A high zeta potential indicates good electrostatic stabilization, while a low zeta potential suggests a risk of aggregation.
Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) TEM provides high-resolution images of nanoparticles, allowing for direct observation of their dispersion and any signs of aggregation.