what is zeta potential

Zeta potential is a scientific term for electrokinetic potential in colloidal dispersions. It is the electrical potential at the slipping plane, which is the interface separating mobile fluid from fluid that remains attached to the surface. The zeta potential is the electric potential in the interfacial double layer (DL) at the location of the slipping plane relative to a point in the bulk fluid away from the interface. It is a measure of the effective electric charge on the nanoparticles surface, quantifying the charges. The zeta potential is caused by the net electrical charge contained within the region bounded by the slipping plane, and also depends on the location of that plane. It is measured in millivolts (mV) and is an important and readily measurable indicator of the stability of colloidal dispersions. The magnitude of the zeta potential indicates the degree of electrostatic repulsion between particles and is related to the electrostatic stability of the dispersion.