What are the Challenges in Colloidal Stabilization?
Despite the availability of various stabilization methods, maintaining a stable colloidal system can be challenging due to factors such as:
pH and Ionic Strength The stability of colloidal systems can be highly sensitive to changes in pH and ionic strength. For instance, a slight change in pH can alter the surface charge of nanoparticles, leading to aggregation.
Temperature Temperature fluctuations can affect the kinetic energy of particles and the viscosity of the medium, impacting the effectiveness of stabilization methods like steric stabilization.
Concentration High concentrations of nanoparticles can increase the likelihood of collisions and aggregation, making it difficult to maintain a stable colloidal system.