Colloid and interface science

Interfacial separation techniques such as froth flotation or solvent extraction require the understanding of mechanisms controlling the interactions between different phases (e.g., colloids, water, oils or bubbles) and (surface active) reagents. Our studies focus on the quantification of physical and physico-chemical properties such as the particle surface’s wettability (hydrophobicity) and roughness. For that, we use techniques such as atomic force microscopy with the colloidal probe technique, inverse gas chromatography, enhanced tensiometry or bubble-particle interaction quantification. For surfactants and organic phase characterization, we use the vibrational spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering and sometimes the fluorescence spectroscopy. To analyse the mutual solubility of organic and aqueous phases, we use Karl-Fischer titration and total organic content analysis. The main goal of this research is to better understand and quantify colloidal and interfacial phenomena. When the focus turns to scaling up these findings for improving process flowsheets, these techniques are typically combined with design-of-experiment and numerical optimization methodologies to minimize the testing efforts.

For our research, we collaborate closely with the HZDR’s Institute of Fluid Dynamics. Within the Center of Interface Studies (CIS), we use our expertise to foster the joint development and optimization of interfacial measurement technologies (e.g. thin film interferometry based) as well as simulation and modeling approaches.