Class Example: Colloid Chemistry

1. Describe the three properties of colloid.

2. What factors affect the primary charge on a colloid?

3. Explain the mechanism of colloid destabilization caused by alum FeCl3.

4. Explain the possible mechanism by which the addition of small quantities of some

materials result in destabilization of sols, but the addition of large quantities of the

same materials does not.

5. A set of experiment was conducted to assess the removal of colloid-caused

turbidity by adding Al2(SO4)3. During this experiment, it was noted that significant

removal of the metal radium occurred. Give potential mechanism for the observed

radium removal.
 Solutions

1. Describe the three properties of colloid.

Solution:

 The electrical charge that they possess.

 Brownian movement - the movement of colloids in water as a result of

bombardment with molecules of the dispersion medium

 Tyndall effect - The reflection of light off of colloidal particles with dimensions

greater than the average wavelength of visible light, making the particles visible to an

observer standing at right angles to the light direction

2. What factors affect the primary charge on a colloid?

Solution:

 The primary charge results from charged groups within the particle surface in

combination with that gained by adsorption of a layer of ions from the

surrounding medium.

3. Explain the mechanism of colloid destabilization caused by alum FeCl3.

Solution:

 Fe(III) can bring about coagulation by neutralizing the charge on the colloid, by

the formation of charged polynuclear complexes that adsorb onto colloids,

causing charge neutralization and/or double layer compression, or through the

formation of larger-sized hydroxide precipitates that enmesh colloidal particles so

that they can settle with the precipitates

4. Explain the possible mechanism by which the addition of small quantities of some

materials result in destabilization of sols, but the addition of large quantities of the

same materials does not.

Solution:

 Small amounts of some materials such as Fe(III) or Al(III) can result in

destabilization by such mechanisms as charge neutralization.

 However, if too much is added, the charge on the materials added or polymers

they form may cause a charge reversal through adsorption to the colloid, causing the

colloid to become stable again.

5. A set of experiment was conducted to assess the removal of colloid-caused

turbidity by adding Al2(SO4)3. During this experiment, it was noted that significant

removal of the metal radium occurred. Give potential mechanism for the observed

radium removal.

Solution:

1. Radium could be sorbed onto the surface of the solids formed during coagulation

and be removed by settling and/or filtration of the solids.

2. Radium itself could be precipitated.

3. Radium could be sorbed onto colloidal surfaces and be removed along with the

colloids.