Interaction between oxalic acid and titania in aqueous ethanol dispersions

The charging effects resulting from adsorption of oxalic acid and oxalate anions on titania (anatase) surfaces in anhydrous or mixed water-ethanol suspensions is summarized. The suddenly enhanced electrical conductance with respect to titania free solutions has previously been explained in terms of surface-induced electrolytic dissociation (SIED) of weak acids. A recently published model has previously been found to successfully characterize the complex SIED effect. The model is evaluated experimentally by recording the conductance and pH of the dispersion and the zeta potential of the particles. The experimental results can be condensed to master curves, which reveal the major properties of the systems and facilitate further modeling of extensive experimental results. The equilibrium and transport properties of solutions and particles were related, but different mechanisms was found to be active in each case. The results suggest that at least three adsorption equilibria should be considered in order to improve the model.