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Updated: Mar 2, 2026
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Microtensiometer for Confocal Microscopy Visualization of Dynamic Interfaces
Published on: September 9, 2022
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Dynamics of Irreversible Particle Adsorption to Fluid Interfaces.
Marina Pasquet1, Yu Fu2, Peiyao Wu2
1Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, 94760, California, United States; Biofisika Institute (CSIC, UPV/EHU) and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, 48940, Spain.
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|February 28, 2026
Summary
Particle adsorption at fluid interfaces transitions from diffusion-limited to kinetic-limited dynamics. A new model explains irreversible adsorption and particle blocking, crucial for emulsion stabilization and material assembly.
Area of Science:
- Colloid and Surface Science
- Materials Science
- Physical Chemistry
Background:
- Dynamic adsorption of colloidal particles at fluid interfaces is key for applications like emulsion stabilization.
- Existing diffusion-limited models fail at higher surface coverages due to irreversible adsorption and particle crowding.
- Particle blocking and irreversible adsorption necessitate advanced modeling beyond equilibrium assumptions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a unified model for colloidal particle adsorption dynamics at fluid interfaces.
- To capture the transition from diffusion-limited to kinetic-limited adsorption regimes.
- To investigate the influence of surface coverage on adsorption kinetics.
Main Methods:
- Developed a unified model coupling diffusion with Random Sequential Adsorption (RSA) boundary conditions.
- Employed microtensiometry and pendant drop tensiometry to measure dynamic interfacial tension.
- Studied 3-(Trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (TPM) particles at the toluene/water interface under varying conditions.
Main Results:
- Adsorption flux is hindered by increasing surface area coverage, aligning with RSA predictions.
- Calculated the Thiele modulus to quantify the ratio of adsorption kinetics to diffusion.
- Identified a critical surface coverage triggering a transition to reaction-limited adsorption dynamics.
Conclusions:
- The unified model accurately describes particle adsorption, moving beyond equilibrium diffusion-limited assumptions.
- Adsorption dynamics become reaction-limited at high surface coverages due to particle blocking.
- This framework offers predictive capabilities for interfacial particle assembly and stabilization applications.
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