PROJECT FILE ON

Surface chemistry
of colloidal
solutions
SUBMITTED TO : Mr. Gaurav Khatana
NAME : Deepak Dagar
Class : XII-A
CBSE BOARD ROLL NO. :

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CERTIFICATE

This is to Certify that Deepak Dagar and of Class XII-A

has Successfully Completed this Chemistry Project on the
Topic " Surface Chemistry Of Colloidal Solutions"
prescribed by Mr. Gaurav Khatana Sir, During Academic
Session 2020-21 As Per The Guidelines Issued by Central
Board Of Secondary Education (C.B.S.E).

Mr. Gaurav Khatana External Examiner

(P.G.T CHEMISTRY)

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Success And Final Outcome Of This Project Required A

Lot Of Guidance And Assistance From Many People And I
Am Extremely Privileged To Thank Mr. Gaurav khatana For
Providing Me An Opportunity To Do The Project Work And
Givin9 Me All Support And Guidance Which Made Me
Complete The Project Appropriately. I Am Also Extremely
Thankful To All My Friends For Providing Me Support
And Guidance.

Deepak Dagar
Class : XII-A

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CONTENTS
Pg. No

1. Colloids 5-6

2. Classification Of Colloids 7-10

3. Seperation Of Colloids 11-13

4. Purification Of Colloids 14-15

5. Properties Of Colloids 16-19

6. Advantages Of Colloids 20-21

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COLLOIDS
A colloid is a substance microscopically disperse throughout another
substance.The word colloid comes from a Greekword 'kolla', which
means glue thus colloidal particles are glue like substances.These
particles pass through a filter paperbut not through a semipermeable
membrane.Colloids can be made settle by the processof centrifugation.

→The colloidal system consist of two phases:

✔ A dispersed phase ( A discontinuous phase )
✔ A dispersion medium ( A continuous phase )
The dispersed-phase particles have a diameter
ofbetween approximately 1nm – 100nm .Such
particles are normally invisible in an
optical,though their presence can be confirmed
with theuse of an ultramicroscope or an
electron microscope.

→ TRUE SOLUTiONS
Made up of particles or solutes and a solventThe solvent part of the
solution is usually a liquid, but can be a gas.The particles are atoms,
ions, or molecules thatare very small in diameter.

→COLLOiDAL MiXTURE
Has particles that are not as small as a solution and not as large as
a suspension.The particles are intermediate in size.

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→SUSPENSiONS
Made up of particles and a solventits particles are larger than those
found in a solution.The particles in a suspension can be distributed
throughout the suspension evenly by shaking the mixture.

→Comparison of the Properties of Solutions,

Colloids, And Suspensions

Examples of colloids are milk, syntheticpolymers, fog,blood, jam, shoe

polish, smoke, etc.

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CLASSIFICATION OF COLLOIDS

→Based On Physical State Of Dispersed Phase And

Dispersion Medium

→Based On Nature Of Interaction

Betweendispersed Phase And Dispersion Medium

✔Lyophilic Colloids :
Colloidal solution in which the dispersed phase has agreat
affinity for the dispersion medium. They are also termed as
intrinsic colloids. Such substances have tendency to pass into
colloidalsolution when brought in contact with dispersion medium.
If the dispersion medium is water, they are calledhydrophilic or
emulsoids. The lyophilic colloids are generally self-

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stabilized.Reversible in nature and are heavily hydrated.

Example of lyophilic colloids are starch, gelatin,rubber, protein
etc.
 
✔Lyophobic Colloids
Colloidal solutions in which the dispersed phase
has noaffinity to the dispersion medium. These are
also referred as extrinsic colloids. Such substances
have no tendency to pass into colloidal solution
when brought in contact with dispersion medium.The
lyophobic colloids are relatively unstable. They are
irreversible by nature and are stabilized byadding
small amount of electrolyte.They are poorly
hydrated. If the dispersion medium is water, the
lyophobic colloidsare called hyrophobic or
suspenoids.Examples: sols of metals like Au, Ag,
sols of metalhyroxides and sols of metal sulphides.

→Based On Molecular Size in The Dispersed
Phase

✔Multimolecular Colloids
Individual particles of the dispersed phase consists of
aggregates of atoms or small molecules having diameter less
than 10-7cm .The particles are held by weak vander waal’sforces.
Example; gold sol, sulphur sol

✔Macromolecular Colloids
The particles of dispersed phase are
sufficientlylarge in size enough to be of
colloidal solution. These are called
Natural Polymers.

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✔Associated Colloids
These colloids behave as normal electrolytesat low
concentrations but behave as colloidsat higher
concentrations.These associated colloids are also referred toas
micelles.Sodium stearate (C18H35NaO2)behave as electrolyte in
dilute solution but colloid inhigher concentrations.
Examples: Soaps , higher alkyl sulphonates ,polythene oxide.

✳ HOW DOES SOAP WORK ?

When greasy dirt is mixed with soapy water, the soap
moleculesarrange themselves into tiny clusters called
micelles.The water-loving (hydrophilic) partof the soap
molecules sticks to thewater and points outwards, forming
the outer surface of the micelle.The oil-loving
(hydrophobic) parts stick to the oil and trap oil in the
center where it can't come into contact with the water.

→Based On Appearance Of Colloids

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✔SOLS
When a colloidal solution appears as fluid.The sols are
generally named as dispersion medium.When the dispersion
medium is water, the sol is known as hydrosol or aquosol.When
the dispersion medium is alcohol or benzene it is called alcosol
and benzosol respectively.

✔GELS
When a colloidal solution appear as solid.The rigidity of gel
varies from substance tosubstance.
Examples : jelly, butter, cheese, curd. 



→Based On Electrical Charge On Dispersion
Phase+

✔Positive Colloids
When dispersed phase in a colloidalsolution carries a positive
charge.
Examples : Metal hyroxides like Fe(OH)3,Al(OH)2, methylene
blue sol etc.

✔Negative Colloids
When dispersed phase in a
colloidalsolution carries a negative
charge.
Examples : Ag sol, Cu sol

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SEPERATION OF COLLOIDS

→Mechanical Dispersion :
⚫ In this method,The substance is first ground to coarse particles.
⚫ It is then mixed with the dispersion medium to geta suspension.
⚫ The suspension is then grinded in colloidal mill. It consists of
two metallic discs nearly touching each other and rotating in
opposite directions at a very high
speed about 7000 revolution per
minute.
⚫ The space between the discs of the
mill is so adjusted that
coarsen suspension is subjected to
great shearing force giving rise to
particles of colloidal size.
⚫ Colloidal solutions of black ink, paints, varnishes, dyes etc. are
obtained by this method.

→By Electrical Dispersion Or Bredig’s Arc Method:
⚫ This method is used to prepare sols ofplatinum, silver, copper or
gold.
⚫ The metal whose sol is to be prepared is madeas two electrodes
which immerge in dispersion medium such as water etc.
⚫ The dispersion medium is kept cooled by ice. An electric arc is
struck between the electrodes.
⚫ The tremendous heat generated by
this method give colloidal
solution.
⚫ The colloidal solution prepared is
stabilized byadding a small

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amount of KOH to it.

→By Peptisation :
⚫ The process of converting a freshly prepared precipitate into
colloidal formby the addition of suitable electrolyte is called
peptisation.
⚫ Cause of peptisation is the adsorption of the ions of the
electrolyte by theparticles of the precipitate.
⚫ The electrolyte used for this purpose is called peptizing agent or
Stabilizing agent. Important peptizing agents are sugar, gum,
gelatin and electrolytes.

→Condensation Method :
In condensation method, the smaller particles of the dispersed
phase areaggregated to form larger particles of colloidal
dimensions. Some important condensation methods are described
below:

1. Solutions of substances like mercury and sulphur are prepared

by passing their vapours through a cold water containing a
suitable stabilizer such as ammonium salt or citrate.
2. By Excessive Cooling :
A colloidal solution of ice in an organic solvent like ether
orchloroform can be prepared by freezing a solution of water
insolvent.The molecules of water which can no longer be held in
solution, separately combine to form particles of colloidal size.

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3. By exchange of solvent :
Colloidal solution of certain substances such as sulphur, phosphorus
which are soluble in alcohol but insoluble in water can be prepared
by pouring their alcoholic solution in excess of water.For example
alcoholic solution of sulphur on pouring into water gives milky
colloidal solution of sulphur.
4. Chemical methods :Colloids can be prepared by following
chemicals methods..

⚫ Oxidation : Addition of oxygen and removal of hydrogen is

called oxidation.For example: Colloidal solution of sulphur can
be prepared by oxidizing an aqueoussolution of H2S with a
suitable oxidizing agent such as bromine water.
H2S + Br2 → 2HBr + S2H2S + SO2 → 2H2O + 3S

⚫Reduction : Addition of hydrogen and removal of oxygen is

called reduction. For example: Gold sol can be obtained by
reducing adilute aqueous solution of gold with stannous
chloride.
2AuCl3 + 3SnCl2 → 3SnCl4 + 2Au

⚫Hydrolysis : It is the break down of water.Sols of ferric

hydroxide and aluminium hydroxide can be prepared by boiling
the aqueous solution of the correspondingchlorides. For example.
FeCl3 + 3H2S → Fe(OH)3 + 3HCl

⚫ Double Decompostion : The sols of inorganic insoluble salts

such as arsenous sulphide, silver halideetc may be prepared by
using double decomposition reaction.For example: Arsenous
sulphide sol can be prepared by passing H2S gasthrough a dilute
aqueous solution of arsenous oxide.
As2O3 + 3H2S → As2S3(OH)3 + 3H2O

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Purification of colloids

There are three common methods usedfor purification of colloids :

→ Dialysis :
⚫ The process of separating the particles of colloid from those of
crystalloid, by means of diffusion through a suitable membrane.
⚫ It’s principle is that colloidal particles can not pass through a
cellophane membrane while the ions of the electrolyte can pass
through it.

⚫ The impurities slowly diffused out of thebag leaving behind

pure colloidal solution.
⚫ The distilled water is changed frequentlyto avoid
accumulation of the crystalloidsotherwise they may start
diffusing back into the bag.
⚫ Dialysis can be used for removing HCl from the ferric hydroxide
sol.

→Electro Dialysis :
⚫The process of dialysis is very slow.

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⚫The process is speeded up by application of electrical potential.

⚫This is called electro dialysis.

Application of electro dialysis :

Artificial kidney machine make use ofelectro dialysis.

→Ultra filtration :
Ultra filtration is a process of highpressure filtration through a
semipermeable membrane in which colloidal particles are retained
whilethe small sized solutes and the solvent areforced to move
across the membrane by
hydrostatic pressure forces.

Application of ultra filtration :

Ultra filtration is a vital process

that takes place in the kidneys.

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PROPERTIES OF COLLOIDS

→Physical Properties Of Colloids

1. Heterogeneity : Colloidal solutions consist of two phases

dispersed phaseand dispersion medium.

2. Visibility Of Dispersed Particles : The dispersed particles

present in themare not visible to the naked eye and they appear
homogenous.

3. Filterability : The colloidal particles pass through an ordinary

filter paper. However, they can be retained by animal membranes,
cellophane membrane and ultrafilters.

4. Stability : Lyophilic sols in general and lyophobic sols in the

absence of substantial concentrations of electrolytes are quite
stable.

5. Colour : The colour of a colloidal solution depends upon the

size of Colloidal particles present in it. Larger particles absorb
the light of longer wavelength and therefore transmit light of
shorter wavelength.

→Optical Properties Of Colloids

Tyndall Effect
⚫ When an intense converging beam of light is passed through a
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colloidal solution kept in dark, the path of the beam gets

illuminated with a bluish light.
⚫ This phenomenon is called Tyndall effect and the illuminated
path is known as Tyndall cone.

⚫ The Tyndall effect is due to the scattering of light bycolloidal

particles. Tyndall effect is not exhibited by true solutions. This is
because the particles present in a true solution are too small to
scatter light.
⚫ Tyndall effect can be used to distinguish a colloidal solution
from a true solution.
⚫ The phenomenon has also been used to devise an instrument
known as ultra microscope. The instrument is used for the
detection of the particles of colloidal dimensions.

→Mechanical Properties Of Colloids

Brownian Movement
⚫ The continuous zigzag movement of the colloidal particles in the
dispersion medium in a colloidal solution is called Brownian
movement.
⚫ Brownian movement is due to the
unequal bombardments of the
moving molecules of dispersion
medium on colloidal particles.
⚫ The Brownian movement decreases

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with anincrease in the size of

colloidal particle. This is why suspensions do not exhibit this type of
movement.

→Electrical Properties Of Colloids

1. Electrophoresis :
⚫ The movement of colloidal particles towards a particular
electrode under the influence of an electric field.
⚫ If the colloidal particles carry
positive charge, they move
towards cathode when
subjected to an electric field and
vice versa..

2. Electrosmosis :
⚫ The movement of dispersion medium under the influence of an
electric field in the situation when the movement of colloidal
particles is prevented with the
help of a suitable membrane.
⚫ During electrosmosis, colloidal
particles are checked and it is
the dispersion medium that
moves towards the oppositely
charged electrode.

3. Coagulation Or Flocculation :
Coagulation may bedefined as thephenomenon involving the
precipitation of a colloidal solution on addition of an electrolyte.

⚫ Hardy-Schulze rule :

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The greater is the valence of the oppositely charged ion of

electrolyte added to a colloidal solution:

Flocculation value : The coagulating power of an electrolyte is

usually expressed in terms of its flocculation value which may be
defined as the minimum concentration (in millimoles per litre) of an
electrolyte required tocause the coagulation of a sol. A smaller
flocculation value indicates the greater coagulating power of the
electrolyte. Thus,

｛ Coagulating power α Flocculation value ｝

The coagulation of colloidal solution can also be achieved by any
of thefollowing methods :

1. By electrophoresis
2. By mixing two oppositely sols

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ADVANTAGES OF COLLOIDS

→Colloids allow the dispersion of normally insoluble

materials, such as metallic gold or fats. These can then be
used more easily, or absorbed more easily.

→Colloidal gold, for example, can be used in medicine to

carry drugs and antibiotics, because it is highly non-reactive and
non-toxic.

→Pharmaceutical industry makes use of colloidal solution

preparation in many medicines. A wide variety of medicines are
emulsions.
An example is Cod Liver Oil.

→Paint industry also uses

colloids in the preparation of paints.

→In milk, the colloidal suspension of

the fats prevents the milk from being thick, and allows for easy
absorption of the nutrients.

→Sewage water contains particles of dirt, mud etc. which are

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colloidal in nature and carry some electrical charge. These

particles may be removed by using the phenomenon of
electrophoresis.

→The sky is the empty space around earth and as such has no
colour. It appears blue due to the scattering of light by the
colloidal dust particles present in air (Tyndall effect).

→Asphalt emulsified in water and is used for building roads.

→The sugar present in milk produces lactic acid on

fermentation. Ions produced by acid, destroy the charge on the
colloidal particles present in milk, which then coagulate and
separate as curd.

→Soap solution is colloidal in nature. It removes the dirt

particles either by adsorption or by emulsifying the greasy matter
sticking to the cloth.

→Large numbers of food articles which we use inour daily

life are colloidal in nature.
Example: Milk, butter, & ice cream etc

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