Electrification of water interface

The surface charge of a water interface determines many fundamental processes in physical chemistry and interface science, and it has been intensively studied for over a hundred years. We summarize experimental methods to characterize the surface charge densities developed so far: electrokinetics, double-layer force measurements, potentiometric titration, surface-sensitive nonlinear spectroscopy, and surface-sensitive mass spectrometry. Then, we elucidate physical ion adsorption and chemical electrification as examples of electrification mechanisms. In the end, novel effects on surface electrification are discussed in detail. We believe that this clear overview of state of the art in a charged water interface will surely help the fundamental progress of physics and chemistry at interfaces in the future.

Automated summary

The surface charge of a water interface has been intensively studied for over a hundred years, and this paper summarizes experimental methods for characterizing surface charge densities. Physical ion adsorption and chemical electrification are elucidated as examples of electrification mechanisms, with novel effects on surface electrification discussed in detail. The clear overview presented in this paper will surely benefit the advancement of physics and chemistry at interfaces in the future.