Determination of anisotropic surface characteristics of different phyllosilicates by direct force measurements

Facet-Dependent Charge Density of Serpentine: Nanoscopic Implications for Aggregation and Entrainment of Fine Particles

Deciphering the facet-dependent surface properties of clay minerals holds vital significance in both fundamental research and practical engineering applications. To date, the anisotropic local charge density of serpentine surfaces still remains elusive, and thus, the interaction energies and associated aggregate structures between different crystal planes of serpentine cannot be quantitatively determined. In this work, different crystal planes of serpentine (i.e., SiO basal, MgOH basal, and edge) were selectively exposed, and their surface potentials and charge densities were determined using atomic force microscopy (AFM) force measurements coupled with Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory fitting. The SiO and edge planes consistently exhibited a permanently negative surface charge, whereas the point of zero charge (PZC) on the MgOH plane was estimated to be pH 9.0-11.0. Based on the interaction energy calculation between different serpentine planes, the aggregation structures of serpentine were predicted. Combined with scanning electron microscopy observation of freeze-dried samples, SiO-MgOH and MgOH-edge associations were found to dominate the aggregate structures at pH ≤ 9.0, thereby resulting in a stacking or "card-houses" structures. In contrast, all of the plane associations exhibited the repulsive interaction energy at pH 11.0, which led to a completely dispersed system, ultimately causing the most severe fine particle entrainment during froth flotation. Our work provides quantitative clarification of facet-dependent surface properties and aggregate structures of serpentine under different pH conditions, which will help improve the fundamental understanding of colloidal behaviors of clay minerals.

Error analysis in calculation and interpretation of AFM tip-surface interaction forces

This review addresses some possible errors in calculation and interpretation of AFM tip-surface interaction forces. These usually ignored errors can affect the accuracy and correctness of the interpretation results obtained from measured interaction forces, thus hindering the application of AFM technology in related fields of colloid and interface science. Based on comprehensive analysis and assessment, three important aspects in the existing literature that may introduce significant errors in calculation and interpretation of AFM tip-surface interaction forces have been identified, and corresponding reasonable suggestions have been proposed. (1) The frequently used over-approximated electrostatic force formulas can cause great errors in the electrostatic force and the fitting of surface potential and surface charge density. Therefore, adequate electrostatic force calculation methods, like linear superposition approximation (LSA) or exact numerical solutions, should be used. (2) The over-approximated AFM tip-surface interaction models (spherical tip and flat tip-flat surface interaction models (s-f and f-f)) will lead to large errors in the electrostatic force and van der Waals force, and the subsequently fitted surface potential, surface charge density, and Hamaker constant. Therefore, the conical tip with spherical end and the conical tip with flat circular end-flat surface interaction models (cs-f and cf-f) rather than the over-approximated models (s-f and f-f) should be applied. Besides, it is recommended to use cf-f instead of cs-f to measure the interaction forces for more accuracy. (3) The inaccurately obtained (usually by SEM image) AFM tip geometry parameters (radius and half angle) have significant impacts on the fitting results of surface potential, surface charge density, and Hamaker constant. More accurate AFM tip geometry parameters and reasonable assessment of errors in calculation and interpretation are necessary.

Dynamic Propagation and Electro-Mechanical Characteristics of New Microcracks in Notched Coal Samples Studied by the Three-Point Bending Test System and AFM

This work extends research on the mechanism of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) induced by coal or rock fractures to the category of microscopic dynamic experimental research. A custom-made three-point bending test system and atomic force microscope (AFM) were integrated to obtain the microdynamic loading test system. The notched coal samples were prepared specially. The dynamic propagation of new microcracks in coal samples was measured, and the propagation velocity was calculated. The morphology and electro-mechanical characteristics of new microcracks were tested. More importantly, the causes of the changes in the electro-mechanical characteristics before and after fracture were analyzed, and the effects of these changes on the EMR were discussed. The results showed that the average propagation velocities during the same time interval are 9.5 μm/s, 12.1 μm/s, and 16.2 μm/s. The elastic modulus of the material at the microcrack edge is generally smaller than that of the material in other locations, while the adhesion and deformation are larger. Moreover, the closer the material is to the microcrack, the higher its surface potential. The electrons generated at the microcrack edge and emitted into the atmosphere, which made the greater potentials of the microcrack edge. Many electrons with different velocities and directions migrate in similar parallel-plate capacitors, which are formed by the relative microscale surface of the coal microcrack tip and have different field strengths, resulting in EMR with complex frequencies and different intensities. This study provides a micro-dynamic experimental basis for research on the electromagnetic radiation mechanism.

Applicability of the linearized Poisson-Boltzmann theory to contact angle problems and application to the carbon dioxide-brine-solid systems

In colloidal science and bioelectrostatics, the linear Poisson Boltzmann equation (LPBE) has been used extensively for the calculation of potential and surface charge density. Its fundamental assumption rests on the premises of low surface potential. In the geological sequestration of carbon dioxide in saline aquifers, very low pH conditions coupled with adsorption induced reduction of surface charge density result in low pH conditions that fit into the LPB theory. In this work, the Gouy-Chapman model of the electrical double layer has been employed in addition to the LPBE theory to develop a contact angle model that is a second-degree polynomial in pH. Our model contains the point of zero charge pH of solid surface. To render the model applicable to heterogeneous surfaces, we have further developed a model for the effective value of the point of zero charge pH. The point of zero charge pH model when integrated into our model enabled us to determine the point of zero charge pH of sandstone, quartz and mica using literature based experimental data. In this regard, a literature based thermodynamic model was used to calculate carbon dioxide solubility and pH of aqueous solution. Values of point of zero charge pH determined in this paper agree with reported ones. The novelty of our work stems from the fact that we have used the LPB theory in the context of interfacial science completely different from the classical approach, where the focus is on interparticle electrostatics involving colloidal stabilization.

Rheological implications of pH induced particle-particle association in aqueous suspension of an anisotropic charged clay

Kaolinite particles are geometrically anisometric and electrostatically anisotropic. Until recently, the charge of both basal faces of kaolinite was assumed to be independent of pH, and the isoelectric point (IEP) of the edge surface was thought to occur at pH 4-6. Therefore, kaolinite suspensions were expected to have an edge-face association at low pH. However, recent atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies have shown that the kaolinite alumina basal face and edge surface carry a pH-dependent surface charge with an IEP at pH 5-6 and ∼ 3, respectively. Here, we revisit the modes of particle association in kaolinite suspensions and apply Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory to study the rheological implications of surface charges of various kaolinite faces from recent AFM-based studies. Specifically, aging within the linear viscoelastic region, small amplitude oscillatory shear behavior (strain amplitude and frequency response), and critical stress behavior were studied as a function of pH. Kaolinite suspensions (40 wt%) exhibited two-step structure recovery after shear rejuvenation and two-step yielding at pH less than the IEP of the alumina basal face. In addition, the storage modulus (G') and critical stress required to stabilize the flow followed non-monotonic behavior as a function of pH. At low pH, the silica face-alumina face mode of association was expected to be dominant rather than the edge-face microstructure. A peak in the G'vs. pH curve at pH 4.5-5 was correlated with the silica face-alumina face attraction estimated from DLVO theory, which passes through a maximum at approximately the same pH. Based on these observations, we propose a qualitative state diagram for kaolinite suspensions in the pH-concentration space.

Surface interaction mechanisms in mineral flotation: Fundamentals, measurements, and perspectives

As non-renewable natural resources, minerals are essential in a broad range of biological and technological applications. The surface interactions of mineral particles with other objects (e.g., solids, bubbles, reagents) in aqueous suspensions play a critical role in mediating many interfacial phenomena involved in mineral flotation. In this work, we have reviewed the fundamentals of surface forces and quantitative surface property-force relationship of minerals, and the advances in the quantitative measurements of interaction forces of mineral-mineral, bubble-mineral and mineral-reagent using nanomechanical tools such as surface forces apparatus (SFA) and atomic force microscope (AFM). The quantitative correlation between surface properties of minerals at the solid/water interface and their surface interaction mechanisms with other objects in complex aqueous media at the nanoscale has been established. The existing challenges in mineral flotation such as characterization of anisotropic crystal plane or heterogeneous surface, low recovery of fine particle flotation, and in-situ electrochemical characterization of collectorless flotation as well as the future work to resolve the challenges based on the understanding and modulation of surface forces of minerals have also been discussed. This review provides useful insights into the fundamental understanding of the intermolecular and surface interaction mechanisms involved in mineral processing, with implications for precisely modulating related interfacial interactions towards the development of highly efficient industrial processes and chemical additives.

Study of the Influence of the Crystallographic Orientation of Cassiterite Observed with Colloidal Probe Atomic Force Microscopy and its Implications for Hydrophobization by an Anionic Flotation Collector

In this study, the physicochemical behaviors of the (110), (100), as well as (001) of SnO₂ were investigated by using high-resolution direct force spectroscopy. The measurements were conducted between a silica sphere and sample surfaces in 10 mmol/L KCl between pH 3.1 and 6.2 using colloidal probe atomic force microscopy (cp-AFM-hydrophilic). Dissimilar interactions were detected on different-oriented surfaces. The pH values where the force switched from positive to negative can be clearly distinguished and be ordered as SnO₂(100) < SnO₂(001) ≈ SnO₂(110). By fitting the force curves in the Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeck theory framework, anisotropic surface potentials were computed between the three sample surfaces following a similar trend as force interaction. To study the implication of crystallographic orientation to surfactant adsorption, we used Aerosol 22 (sulfosuccinamate) as an anionic collector for cassiterite flotation to functionalize the different samples at pH 3. The contact angle measurements, the topography visualizations by AFM, and the force measurement using cp-AFM with hydrophobized spheres (cp-AFM-hydrophobized) have shown that Aerosol 22 was adsorbed on the sample surfaces inhomogeneously. The adsorption followed the range of SnO₂(110) > SnO₂(100) > SnO₂(001) in the concentration from 1 × 10^-6 to 1 × 10^-4 mol/L.

Surface charge density and diffuse layer properties of highly defined 2:1 layered silicate platelets

Clays are not only ubiquitous in nature, but they are also used in huge quantities in a broad range of industrial applications, such as thixotropic drilling fluids, ore pelletizers, waste disposal sealants, or fillers in polymer nanocomposites. In order to model environmental processes or to design new materials on a rational base, it is of prime importance to determine and possibly modify the interfacial properties of clay platelets at the solid/electrolyte interface. In this context, the fundamental question rises how far the stoichiometric interlayer charges as determined by the composition of the silicate layer correlates with the diffuse double-layer properties. Here, this question is addressed by means of a series of purposely synthesized sodium 2:1 layered silicates with defined composition and hence interlayer charge densities, respectively. Platelets of layered silicates of large enough diameter to perform AFM colloidal probe measurements were produced by melt synthesis. For comparison also, a natural muscovite mica has been included in this study. The diffuse layer properties in electrolyte solution have been determined by direct force measurements using the colloidal probe AFM technique and by electrokinetic measurements, respectively. We find that the diffuse layer potential decreases with increasing interlayer charge of the 2:1 layered silicates. This counterintuitive finding is attributed to ion adsorption and was further corroborated by determining the quantitative adsorption of polyelectrolytes, namely poly(amidoamine) dendrimers.

Contributions of van der Waals Interactions and Hydrophobic Attraction to Molecular Adhesions on a Hydrophobic MoS2 Surface in Water

Pushing the boundaries of the investigation of hydrophobic attraction (HA) to the molecular scale readily ensures the collection of experimental results free of secondary effects, thereby facilitating the unraveling of the underlying mechanism by providing clean experimental results that truly reflect the hydrophobic attraction. Regardless of the feasibility of this approach, investigations using this promising method are stagnant due to the difficulties in determining the individual contributions of HA and van der Waals (vdW) interactions at the molecular scale. Here, a novel approach was proposed for the first time to determine the individual contributions of vdW interactions and HA by studying the single-molecule adhesion forces of a neutral oligo ethylene glycol methacrylate copolymer on a MoS₂ crystal exposed to different water chemistry. The anisotropic surface properties of MoS₂ enabled the partitioning of vdW interactions and hydrophobic attraction in total single-molecule adhesion forces and also enabled determining the contribution of electrostatic interaction (ESI). When the presence of ESI is excluded, the study of single-molecule adhesion forces using single-molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS) revealed that the contribution of vdW interactions to total molecular interactions was smaller than 9 pN. The strong single-molecule adhesion forces of oligo ethylene glycol copolymer on the hydrophobic basal surface of MoS₂ demonstrated that HA plays a dominant role with contribution up to 89% to the total single-molecule adhesion force. By utilizing the derived theoretical model, we quantified the individual contribution of each fundamental interaction under a variety of conditions. This study proposed a facile approach to quantitatively clarify the roles of vdW interactions and HA at the molecular scale, which may help assist future experimental and theoretical investigations of hydrophobic (solvophobic) effects and vdW interactions in aqueous solutions.

Interpretation of Hydrophobization Behavior of Dodecylamine on Muscovite and Talc Surface through Dynamic Wettability and AFM Analysis

In this study, a new approach, “dynamic wettability”, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging analysis techniques were successfully used to characterize the hydrophobization mechanism of the collector dodecylamine (DDA) on muscovite and talc surfaces. The attachment of bubbles to the minerals was studied through the dynamic contact angle to gain a detailed understanding of the hydrophobization mechanism of DDA on a muscovite and talc surface. AFM imaging and interaction forces were performed to explain the DDA adsorption mechanism on both minerals. Finally, flotation tests were performed to verify the effectiveness of these techniques. After treatments with DDA, the contact angles became much larger compared to initial angles, particularly for muscovite, and the attachment of bubbles on the talc surface was much easier than muscovite due to its natural hydrophobicity. From AFM imaging, both the muscovite and talc showed a similar tendency; the higher the DDA concentration, the more the adsorbed amount. However, the adsorbed amount of DDA on talc surface was obviously more than that on muscovite. As far as interaction forces are concerned, the maximum attractions occurred at certain different concentrations respectively for muscovite and talc and agreed well with the AFM-imaging results. Moreover, results obtained from flotation tests were promising and quite in agreement with the phenomenon of these techniques.

Composition in the Interface between Clay Mineral Surfaces and Divalent Cation Electrolytes

The interfacial free energy of a solid, which determines its adsorption properties, depends on interactions between the surface and the fluid. A change in surface composition can completely change the behavior of the solid. Decades of work have explored adsorption and its effects at solid-fluid interfaces from the macroscopic perspective and using molecular modeling, so the concept of the electric double layer (EDL) is well established in the community. However, direct, molecular level, experimental observations of the composition within the interface region, and its change with time and conditions, are not abundant. We used cryogenic X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (cryoXPS) to observe the composition in the clay mineral-solution interface region as a function of bulk solution composition, on illite and chlorite in MgCl₂ and CaCl₂ electrolytes, over a range of concentrations (1-125 mM), in situ, on vitrified samples. These samples were prepared from very thin smears of centrifuged wet paste that were instantaneously chilled to liquid N₂ temperature. They preserved the adsorbed solution in its amorphous state, maintaining the location of the ions and water with respect to the solid, without the disruption that occurs during drying or the rearrangement that results as water crystallizes during freezing. With decreasing ionic strength, we could directly monitor the loss of negative charge in the interface region, producing an anion deficiency, as predicted by theory. The Cl^-/Me²⁺ ratio dropped below 1 for chlorite at 12-25 mM MeCl₂ and for illite at 75-100 mM. In addition to better understanding of clay mineral behavior in solution, this work demonstrates that only those clay minerals where surface charge density is the same or lower than that for chlorite contribute to a low salinity enhanced oil recovery response (LS EOR). This explains many of the contradictory results from studies about the role of clay minerals in LS EOR.

The application of atomic force microscopy in mineral flotation

During the past years, atomic force microscopy (AFM) has matured to an indispensable tool to characterize nanomaterials in colloid and interface science. For imaging, a sharp probe mounted near to the end of a cantilever scans over the sample surface providing a high resolution three-dimensional topographic image. In addition, the AFM tip can be used as a force sensor to detect local properties like adhesion, stiffness, charge etc. After the invention of the colloidal probe technique it has also become a major method to measure surface forces. In this review, we highlight the advances in the application of AFM in the field of mineral flotation, such as mineral morphology imaging, water at mineral surface, reagent adsorption, inter-particle force, and bubble-particle interaction. In the coming years, the complementary characterization of chemical composition such as using infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy for AFM topography imaging and the synchronous measurement of the force and distance involving deformable bubble as a force sensor will further assist the fundamental understanding of flotation mechanism.

Anisotropic surface chemistry properties and adsorption behavior of silicate mineral crystals

Anisotropic surface properties of minerals play an important role in a variety of fields. With a focus on the two most intensively investigated silicate minerals (i.e., phyllosilicate minerals and pegmatite aluminosilicate minerals), this review highlights the research on their anisotropic surface properties based on their crystal structures. Four surface features comprise the anisotropic surface chemistry of minerals: broken bonds, energy, wettability, and charge. Analysis of surface broken bond and energy anisotropy helps to explain the cleavage and growth properties of mineral crystals, and understanding surface wettability and charge anisotropy is critical to the analysis of minerals' solution behavior, such as their flotation performance and rheological properties. In a specific reaction, the anisotropic surface properties of minerals are reflected in the adsorption strengths of reagents on different mineral surfaces. Combined with the knowledge of mineral crushing and grinding, a thorough understanding of the anisotropic surface chemistry properties and the anisotropic adsorption behavior of minerals will lead to the development of effective relational models comprising their crystal structure, surface chemistry properties, and targeted reagent adsorption. Overall, such a comprehensive approach is expected to firmly establish the connection between selective cleavage of mineral crystals for desired surfaces and designing novel reagents selectively adsorbed on the mineral surfaces. As tools to characterize the anisotropic surface chemistry properties of minerals, DLVO theory, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are also reviewed.

A Raman-Based Imaging Method for Characterizing the Molecular Adsorption and Spatial Distribution of Silver Nanoparticles on Hydrated Mineral Surfaces

Although minerals are known to affect the environmental fate and transformation of heavy-metal ions, little is known about their interaction with the heavily exploited silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Proposed here is a combination of hitherto under-utilized micro-Raman-based mapping and chemometric methods for imaging the distribution of AgNPs on various mineral surfaces and their molecular interaction mechanisms. The feasibility of the Raman-based imaging method was tested on two macro- and microsized mineral models, muscovite [KAl₂(AlSi₃O₁₀)(OH)₂] and corundum (α-Al₂O₃), under key environmental conditions (ionic strength and pH). Both AgNPs^- and AgNPs⁺ were found to covalently attach to corundum (pH_pzc = 9.1) through the formation of Ag-O-Al- bonds and thereby to potentially experience reduced environmental mobility. Because label-free Raman imaging showed no molecular interactions between AgNPs^- and muscovite (pH_pzc = 7.5), a label-enhanced Raman imaging approach was developed for mapping the scarce spatial distribution of AgNPs^- on such mineral surfaces. Raman maps comprising of n = 625-961 spectra for each sample/control were rapidly analyzed in Vespucci, a free open-source software, and the results were confirmed via ICP-OES, AFM, and SEM-EDX. The proposed Raman-based imaging requires minimum to no sample preparation; is sensitive, noninvasive, cost-effective; and might be extended to other environmentally relevant systems.

Microwetting of pH-Sensitive Surface and Anisotropic MoS2 Surfaces Revealed by Femtoliter Sessile Droplets

Understanding the microwettability of anisotropic molybdenum disulfide crystal is critically important in separation and processing of this material in liquid. In this work, static microwetting properties of MoS₂ face (MF) and MoS₂ edge (ME) surfaces in water are revealed by the morphology of femtoliter interfacial droplets. The oil droplets with different size distribution were produced from heterogeneous nucleation and growth of nanodroplets during the solvent exchange under controlled flow and solution conditions, and were polymerized for droplet morphology characterization to reveal the relative wettability of the droplets on surfaces. We first demonstrate that the shape of the nanodroplets is responsive to the surface charges on a model pH sensitive substrate of gold coated with a self-assembled monolayer of two types of thiol. The experimental results on MoS₂ substrates indicate that (1) oil contact angle of the droplets on ME surface is much larger than that on MF surface at pH 3.0, suggesting that the ME surface is more hydrophilic than MF; (2) the droplets are pinned by the layered nanostructure on MoS₂ edge. The fundamental understanding of microwettability elucidated in this study may allow for an improved control of the interaction between anisotropic MoS₂ surfaces and the surrounding liquid environment, which is critically important for many industrial applications such as flotation and catalysis systems.

Surface-Charge Anisotropy of Scheelite Crystals

Atomic force microscopy was employed to measure the colloidal interactions between silicon nitride cantilever tips and scheelite crystal surfaces in 1 mM KCl solutions of varying pH. By fitting the Derjguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theoretical model to the recorded force-distance curves, the surface-charge density and surface-potential values were calculated for three crystallographic surfaces including {112}, {101}, and {001}. The calculated surface-potential values were negative in both acidic and basic solutions and varied among crystallographic surfaces. The determined surface-potential values were within zeta-potential values reported in the literature for powdered scheelite minerals. The surface {101} was the most negatively charged surface, followed by {112} and {001}. The surface potential for {001} was only slightly affected by pH, whereas the surface potential for both {112} and {101} increased with increasing pH. Anisotropy in surface-charge density was analyzed in relation to the surface density of active oxygen atoms, that is, the density of oxygen atoms with one or two broken bond(s) within tungstate ions located in the topmost surface layer. On a surface with a higher surface density of active oxygen atoms, a larger number of OH(-) are expected to adsorb through hydrogen bonding, leading to a more negatively charged surface.

Interference of 1:1 and 2:1 layered phyllosilicates as excipients with ranitidine

As natural ingredients and excipients, kaolinite and talc were frequently studied for their interactions with drugs in pharmaceutical formulations. In this study, the uptake of ranitidine (RT) on these two minerals was studied under different physic-chemical conditions and the mechanism of RT uptake on these two minerals contrasted. Although the thermodynamic and kinetic RT uptake on these two minerals was similar and the RT uptake on both minerals were limited to the external surfaces only, drastic difference in RT uptake was found under different equilibrium solution pH and ionic strength conditions. As cation exchange process was strongly affected by solution pH and ionic strength, the RT uptake on kaolinite was dominated by cation exchange and electrostatic interactions, while the RT uptake on talc was more controlled by inter- and intra- molecular hydrogen bonding interactions. For kaolinite, the limiting factor for RT uptake was the specific surface area due to monolayer RT adsorption. In contract, multilayer RT uptake was found on talc surfaces. No matter which mechanism dominated RT uptake on these minerals, the interaction should not be neglected in pharmaceutical formulations should these minerals be used as additives and/or excipients.

Probing Anisotropic Surface Properties of Molybdenite by Direct Force Measurements

Probing anisotropic surface properties of layer-type mineral is fundamentally important in understanding its surface charge and wettability for a variety of applications. In this study, the surface properties of the face and the edge surfaces of natural molybdenite (MoS2) were investigated by direct surface force measurements using atomic force microscope (AFM). The interaction forces between the AFM tip (Si3N4) and face or edge surface of molybdenite were measured in 10 mM NaCl solutions at various pHs. The force profiles were well-fitted with classical DLVO (Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek) theory to determine the surface potentials of the face and the edge surfaces of molybdenite. The surface potentials of both the face and edge surfaces become more negative with increasing pH. At neutral and alkaline conditions, the edge surface exhibits more negative surface potential than the face surface, which is possibly due to molybdate and hydromolybdate ions on the edge surface. The point of zero charge (PZC) of the edge surface was determined around pH 3 while PZC of the face surface was not observed in the range of pH 3-11. The interaction forces between octadecyltrichlorosilane-treated AFM tip (OTS-tip) and face or edge surface of molybdenite were also measured at various pHs to study the wettability of molybdenite surfaces. An attractive force between the OTS-tip and the face surface was detected. The force profiles were well-fitted by considering DLVO forces and additional hydrophobic force. Our results suggest the hydrophobic feature of the face surface of molybdenite. In contrast, no attractive force between the OTS-tip and the edge surface was detected. This is the first study in directly measuring surface charge and wettability of the pristine face and edge surfaces of molybdenite through surface force measurements.

In situ particle film ATR FTIR spectroscopy of poly (N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAM) adsorption onto talc

The adsorption of poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAM) onto talc from aqueous solutions has been studied using the in situ methodology of particle film attenuated total reflection (ATR) Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. PNIPAM was observed to adsorb significantly onto the talc particle film at a temperature below its lower critical solution temperature (LCST). Peak shifts were seen in the adsorbed layer FTIR spectrum that match those observed when PNIPAM solution is heated above its LCST. This observation indicates that adsorption causes a conformational re-arrangement similar to that seen when PNIPAM undergoes a coil-to-globule transition, in this case presumably induced by hydrophobic interactions between PNIPAM and the talc basal plane surface. The kinetics of adsorption are seen to be complex, with potential influences of conformational rearrangement and differential adsorption kinetics for the two dominant surface regions of talc particles. The adsorbed PNIPAM was seen to be exceptionally resistant to removal, with no desorption occurring when a background electrolyte solution was flowed over the adsorbed layer. Spectra acquired of the adsorbed polymer layer heated above the LCST reveal that a further conformational rearrangement takes place for the adsorbed layer, finalizing the transition from coil-to-globule that was initiated by the interaction with the mineral surface.

Probing anisotropic surface properties and interaction forces of chrysotile rods by atomic force microscopy and rheology

Understanding the surface properties and interactions of nonspherical particles is of both fundamental and practical importance in the rheology of complex fluids in various engineering applications. In this work, natural chrysotile, a phyllosilicate composed of 1:1 stacked silica and brucite layers which coil into cylindrical structure, was chosen as a model rod-shaped particle. The interactions of chrysotile brucite-like basal or bilayered edge planes and a silicon nitride tip were measured using an atomic force microscope (AFM). The force-distance profiles were fitted using the classical Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory, which demonstrates anisotropic and pH-dependent surface charge properties of brucite-like basal plane and bilayered edge surface. The points of zero charge (PZC) of the basal and edge planes were estimated to be around pH 10-11 and 6-7, respectively. Rheology measurements of 7 vol % chrysotile (with an aspect ratio of 14.5) in 10 mM NaCl solution showed pH-dependent yield stress with a local maximum around pH 7-9, which falls between the two PZC values of the edge and basal planes of the rod particles. On the basis of the surface potentials of the edge and basal planes obtained from AFM measurements, theoretical analysis of the surface interactions of edge-edge, basal-edge, and basal-basal planes of the chrysotile rods suggests the yield stress maximum observed could be mainly attributed to the basal-edge attractions. Our results indicate that the anisotropic surface properties (e.g., charges) of chrysotile rods play an important role in the particle-particle interaction and rheological behavior, which also provides insight into the basic understanding of the colloidal interactions and rheology of nonspherical particles.

Influence of ionic strength on the surface charge and interaction of layered silicate particles

The surface charge densities and surface potentials of selected phyllosilicate surfaces were calculated from AFM surface force measurements and reported as a function of ionic strength at pH 5.6. The results show that the silica faces of clay minerals follow the constant surface charge model because of isomorphous substitution in the silica tetrahedral layer. A decreasing surface charge density sequence was observed as follows: muscovite silica face>kaolinite silica face>talc silica face, which is expected to be due to the extent of isomorphous substitution. In contrast, at pH 5.6, the alumina face and the edge surface of kaolinite follow the constant surface potential model with increasing ionic strength, and the surface charge density increased with increasing ionic strength. The cluster size of suspended kaolinite particles at pH 5.6 was found to increase with increasing ionic strength due to an increase in the surface charge density for the alumina face and the edge surface. However, the cluster size decreased at 100mM KCl as a result of an unexpected decrease in the surface charge of the alumina face. When the ionic strength continued to increase above 100mM KCl, the van der Waals attraction dominated and larger clusters of micron size were stabilized.

Probing adsorption of polyacrylamide-based polymers on anisotropic Basal planes of kaolinite using quartz crystal microbalance

Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D) was applied to investigate the adsorption characteristics of polyacrylamide-based polymers (PAMs) on anisotropic basal planes of kaolinite. Kaolinite basal planes were differentiated by depositing kaolinite nanoparticles (KNPs) on silica and alumina sensors in solutions of controlled pH values. Adsorption of an in-house synthesized organic-inorganic Al(OH)3-PAM (Al-PAM) as an example of cationic hybrid PAM and a commercially available partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (MF1011) as an example of anionic PAM was studied. Cationic Al-PAM was found to adsorb irreversibly and preferentially on tetrahedral silica basal planes of kaolinite. In contrast, anionic MF1011 adsorbed strongly on aluminum-hydroxy basal planes, while its adsorption on tetrahedral silica basal planes was weak and reversible. Adsorption study revealed that both electrostatic attraction and hydrogen-bonding mechanisms contribute to adsorption of PAMs on kaolinite. The adsorbed Al-PAM layer was able to release trapped water overtime and became more compact, while MF1011 film became more dissipative as backbones stretched out from kaolinite surface with minimal overlapping. Experimental results obtained from this study provide clear insights into the phenomenon that governs flocculation-based solid-liquid separation processes using multicomponent flocculants of anionic and cationic nature.

Surface charge and wetting characteristics of layered silicate minerals

The surface characteristics, including surface charge and wettability, of layered silicates are reviewed based on experimental results and molecular dynamics simulation (MDS) results. The surface charge features of important layered silicates including mica, talc, and kaolinite are described from atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements, electrophoresis measurements, and/or results from potentiometric titration. In addition, the wetting characteristics of the silica tetrahedral surface which is common to all layered silicates are examined with different experimental techniques and results are discussed. The wettability of trilayer silicates and bilayer silicates is discussed, particularly the wettability of the silica tetrahedral face and alumina octahedral face of kaolinite based on MDS results as well as recent AFM results.