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Interfacial synergistic modulation via surfactant-electric field interactions for enhanced spray atomization
Hailin Gu1, Jiaqi Guo1, Binkang Chen1
1College of Energy Environment and Safety Engineering, China Jiliang University, Hangzhou 310018, PR China.
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|December 23, 2025
Summary
This study enhances spray atomization by combining surfactants with electric fields. Mixed surfactant formulations, like anionic SDBS and nonionic TW80, show synergistic effects for finer droplets and better charge control.
Area of Science:
- Colloid and Surface Science
- Electrohydrodynamics
- Materials Science
Background:
- Precise control over droplet atomization and charging is crucial for industrial and environmental spray applications.
- Current spray technologies face challenges in achieving fine-tuned droplet characteristics.
- Interfacial properties of liquids significantly influence spray behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the synergistic effects of surfactant adsorption and external electric fields on droplet atomization and charging.
- To explore how different surfactant types (anionic, cationic, nonionic) and their combinations influence spray performance.
- To develop an interfacial engineering strategy for enhanced spray control.
Main Methods:
- Developed a custom electrostatic spray platform integrating a pressure-swirl nozzle, an annular inductive electrode (0-30 kV), a Phase Doppler Particle Analyzer (PDPA), and a Faraday cage.
- Systematically varied surfactant types (SDBS, CTAB, TW80), concentrations (including critical micelle concentration, CMC), and electrode voltage.
- Compared single-surfactant and composite (SDBS + TW80) formulations, measuring key solution properties like surface tension and viscosity.
Main Results:
- The applied electric field consistently reduced Sauter mean diameter (SMD) and enhanced droplet chargeability.
- TW80 surfactant showed the largest reduction in SMD (up to ~30%) at its CMC.
- The nonionic-anionic (SDBS-TW80) composite system exhibited synergistic effects, yielding smaller SMD (~100 μm) compared to single-component systems.
Conclusions:
- The combination of specific surfactants and external electric fields offers a powerful method for tuning spray atomization and droplet charge.
- Mixed surfactant systems, particularly nonionic-anionic combinations, can outperform single-component systems due to cooperative effects.
- This interfacial engineering approach provides practical guidance for optimizing spray processes in agriculture, coating, and environmental applications.
