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Intermolecular Forces

Intermolecular Forces

Atoms and molecules interact through bonds (or forces): intramolecular and intermolecular. The forces are electrostatic as they arise from interactions (attractive or repulsive) between charged species (permanent, partial, or temporary charges) and exist with varying strengths between ions, polar, nonpolar, and neutral molecules. The different types of intermolecular forces are ion–dipole, dipole–dipole, hydrogen bonds, and dispersion; among these, dipole–dipole, hydrogen bonds, and dispersion...

Intermolecular Forces

Intermolecular Forces

Atoms and molecules interact through bonds (or forces): intramolecular and intermolecular. The forces are electrostatic as they arise from interactions (attractive or repulsive) between charged species (permanent, partial, or temporary charges) and exist with varying strengths between ions, polar, nonpolar, and neutral molecules. The different types of intermolecular forces are ion–dipole, dipole–dipole, hydrogen bonds, and dispersion; among these, dipole–dipole, hydrogen bonds, and dispersion...

Covalent Bonds

Covalent Bonds

When two atoms share electrons to complete their valence shells they create a covalent bond. An atom’s electronegativity—the force with which shared electrons are pulled towards an atom—determines how the electrons are shared. Molecules formed with covalent bonds can be either polar or nonpolar. Atoms with similar electronegativities form nonpolar covalent bonds; the electrons are shared equally. Atoms with different electronegativities share electrons unequally, creating polar bonds.A Covalent...

Covalent Bonds

Covalent Bonds

Overview
When two atoms share electrons to complete their valence shells, they create a covalent bond. An atom's electronegativity—the force with which shared electrons are pulled towards an atom—determines how the electrons are shared. Molecules formed with covalent bonds can be either polar or nonpolar. Atoms with similar electronegativities form nonpolar covalent bonds; the electrons are shared equally. Atoms with different electronegativities share electrons unequally, creating polar bonds.

The Electrical Double Layer

The Electrical Double Layer

In the region where two bulk phases meet, an intricate electric charge distribution arises due to charge transfer, ion adsorption, molecular orientation, and charge distortion. This complex distribution is commonly referred to as the electrical double layer.When a solid electrode interfaces with ions in an electrolyte solution, the speed of electron transfer dictates the rates of oxidation and reduction. The electrode acquires a charge through the escape of atoms into the solution as cations or...

Van der Waals Interactions

Van der Waals Interactions

Atoms and molecules interact with each other through intermolecular forces. These electrostatic forces arise from attractive or repulsive interactions between particles with permanent, partial, or temporary charges. The intermolecular forces between neutral atoms and molecules are ion–dipole, dipole–dipole, and dispersion forces, collectively known as van der Waals forces.Polar molecules have a partial positive charge on one end and a partial negative charge on the other end of the molecule,...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Fabrication of Superhydrophobic Metal Surfaces for Anti-Icing Applications

Fabrication of Superhydrophobic Metal Surfaces for Anti-Icing Applications

Published on: August 15, 2018

Why are water-hydrophobic interfaces charged?

Konstantin N Kudin¹, Roberto Car

¹Department of Chemistry and Princeton Institute for Science and Technology of Materials (PRISM), Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA.

Journal of the American Chemical Society

|March 4, 2008

Summary

Hydroxide and hydronium ions act as surfactants at hydrophobic interfaces due to their charge asymmetry. This explains why hydrophobic surfaces in water become negatively charged, impacting biology and polymer science.

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Synthesis of Hydrogels with Antifouling Properties As Membranes for Water Purification

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Published on: April 7, 2017

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Last Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Fabrication of Superhydrophobic Metal Surfaces for Anti-Icing Applications

Fabrication of Superhydrophobic Metal Surfaces for Anti-Icing Applications

Published on: August 15, 2018

Synthesis of Hydrogels with Antifouling Properties As Membranes for Water Purification

Synthesis of Hydrogels with Antifouling Properties As Membranes for Water Purification

Published on: April 7, 2017

Area of Science:

Physical Chemistry
Surface Science
Computational Chemistry

Background:

Hydrophobic surfaces in aqueous environments often acquire a net charge.
The behavior of ions at interfaces is crucial for understanding various chemical and biological processes.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the behavior of hydroxide and hydronium ions at a hydrophobic interface using computational simulations.
To elucidate the molecular mechanisms behind ion adsorption and surface charging at hydrophobic interfaces.

Main Methods:

Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations were employed.
The simulations focused on the interaction of ions with a model hydrophobic hydrocarbon surface.

Main Results:

Both hydroxide and hydronium ions exhibit amphiphilic surfactant-like behavior at the hydrophobic interface.
This behavior is driven by the asymmetric charge distribution within the ions, creating distinct hydrophobic and hydrophilic ends.
The effect is more pronounced for hydroxide ions compared to hydronium ions.
Simulated results align with experimental observations of negatively charged hydrophobic surfaces.

Conclusions:

The asymmetric molecular charge distribution of ions dictates their interaction with hydrophobic surfaces.
This phenomenon provides a molecular-level explanation for the negative charging of hydrophobic surfaces in water.
Findings have significant implications for fields such as biology, polymer science, and materials science.