Growth of nanofiltration layers from colloidal solutions. Effect of electrochemical properties of colloidal solutions on kinetics of the layers.

Abstract:
Nanofiltration layers are used as membrane separators, reactors or sensors. It is necessary to know factors corresponding with aggregation of colloidal particles and with layer growth in order to control layer morphology, texture, permeability and separation function. Up to now an empirical approach to the synthesis of layers dominates. Still a question remains how to control formation of nuclei and layer growth. A few steps participate in total synthesis: transport of subcolloidal particles, sticking of particles to a solid phase, transformation of sticked particles to a consolidated phase (crystalline or amorphous). Electrostatic interaction between the double layer of sticking colloidal particle and the surface charge of solid phase should be of key importance for the layer growth.