Abstract
The sedimentation in a homogeneous suspension of charged spherical particles with an arbitrary thickness of the electric double layers is analytically studied. The effects of particle interactions are taken into account by employing a unit cell model. Overlap of the double layers of adjacent particles is allowed, and the polarization effect in the double layer surrounding each particle is considered. The electrokinetic equations that govern the ionic concentration distributions, the electric potential profile, and the fluid flow field in the electrolyte solution in a unit cell are linearized assuming that the system is only slightly distorted from equilibrium. Using a perturbation method, these linearized equations are solved for a symmetrically charged electrolyte with the surface charge density (or zeta potential) of the particle as the small perturbation parameter. An analytical expression for the settling velocity of the charged sphere in closed form is obtained from a balance among its gravitational, electrostatic, and hydrodynamic forces. A closed-form formula for the sedimentation potential in a suspension of identical charged spheres is also derived by using the requirement of zero net electric current. Our results demonstrate that the effects of overlapping double layers are quite significant, even for the case of thin double layers.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.