Langmuir, Vol.24, No.18, 10181-10186, 2008
Influence of surfactant counterions during electrophoretic particle deposition
This study demonstrates the influence of a cationic surfactant on colloidal particle electrodeposition (migration and adhesion). Three cetyltrimethylammonium salts (CTA(+)) with various counterions (bromide, chloride, and hydro-genosulphate) were studied. Particle transport toward the electrode was driven by the electrophoretic force. Once particles reached the electrode, a wide variety of behaviors were observed, depending on surfactant concentration and counterions: particles would stick permanently or slide along the electrode surface, remain or detach upon potential switching, act as nuclei for aggregate growth, or produce a homogeneous particle film. The experimental results also demonstrate the specific influence of surfactant counterions on the deposited film morphology.