Like-Charge Electrostatic Attraction of Colloids in Aquatic Systems

ABSTRACT

CBET-0651683

Sotira Yiacoumi

Georgia Tech

Like-Charge Electrostatic Attraction of Colloids in Aquatic Systems

This project will combine molecular modeling, computational approaches, and modern experimental methods to elucidate the mechanisms of like-charge attraction of colloids in aquatic systems. Monte Carlo techniques will be used to study thermodynamic equilibrium at the molecular scale and investigate the structure of interacting electrical double layers of approaching charged surfaces. Neutron reflectometry measurements will provide direct information on the electrical double layer structure near a charged surface and atomic force microscopy will be used to measure interaction forces between a colloidal particles and planar surfaces. The proposed work has implications in many areas of environmental and chemical engineering, including chemical separation and purification, water and wastewater treatment, particle transport in ground-water, and aspects of nanotechnology. Aggregation and filtration of harmful colloidal particles suspended in water are fundamental processes found in nearly all water treatment facilities. The research results will be incorporated into courses on molecular modeling and correspondence courses offered to practicing engineers and scientists.