Abstract
Colloid science is the science of both large molecules and finely subdivided multiphase systems. It is the system of more than one phase that colloid and surface science meet. Colloid science is interdisciplinary in many respects; its field of interest overlaps physics, biology, materials science, and several other disciplines. It is the particle dimension – not the chemical composition (organic or inorganic), sources of the sample (e.g., biological or mineralogical), or physical state (e.g., one or two phases). The colloidal solutions or colloidal dispersions are intermediate between true solutions and suspensions. In other words, the diameter of the dispersed particles in a colloidal dispersion is more than that of the solute particles in a true solution and smaller than that of a suspension. The knowledge of colloid chemistry is required in various aspects of chemistry. It is a field that has offered more and still has much more to offer; therefore chemists should be studious to extract more uses from this field as it still has more to offer. This article is aimed at reviewing the properties as well as some of the uses of colloids.
Highlights
A solution consists of two components- a solute and a solvent
The latter is practically insoluble in water and would normally precipitate but if formed under the right conditions, it may remain dispersed throughout the liquid in the form of very small particles. The presence of these particles is shown by the colour but they are not large enough to cause the liquid to appear cloudy. This is an example of a colloidal system [1]
Brownian Motion: When a sol is examined with an ultramicroscope, the suspended particles are seen as shining specks of light
Summary
A solution consists of two components- a solute and a solvent. If a solution of ferric chloride is poured into boiling water, a clear deep brown liquid is obtained. The change in colour shows that a chemical reaction has occurred; ferric oxide has been formed The latter is practically insoluble in water and would normally precipitate but if formed under the right conditions, it may remain dispersed throughout the liquid in the form of very small particles. In a true solution as sugar or salt in water, the solute particles are dispersed in the solvent as single molecules or ions. In a suspension of sand stirred into water, the dispersed particles are aggregates of millions of molecules The diameter of these particles is of the order 2,000. Because either the dispersed phase or the dispersion medium can be a gas, liquid or solid, there are eight types of colloidal systems possible. This article is aimed at reviewing the properties as well as some of the uses of colloids
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
