Surface Chemistry-Lyophilic, Lyophobic

Colloids are heterogeneous systems in which a single particle (distributed phase) is scattered into a very tiny number of particles (dispersion medium). Colloidal particles have a significant surface area per unit mass due to their small size. Their scattered phase is larger than real solutions but smaller than that found in suspension. As a result, it has its distinct characteristics.

Classification based on the physical state’s dispersion medium and dispersed phase:

A colloidal system is a complex homogeneous fluid in which particles are suspended uniformly. Solids, liquids, or gases, depending on the dispersion medium and dispersed phase state. There are eight different types/states of colloidal systems.

Classification based on the characteristics of the dispersion medium and dispersed phase’s interactions:

There are two types of colloidal state sols: those that are “lyophilic” (attracted to the solvent) and those that are “lyophobic” (solvent repelling).

Lyophilic Colloids:

The term lyophilic refers to liquid love. Lyophilic sols are colloidal sols created by mixing things like rubber, gum, starch, gelatin, and other similar chemicals with a sufficient liquid (in the form of the dispersion medium). Lyophilic colloids are unique in that they are self-stabilising due to stabilising interactions between the dispersed phase and the dispersion medium.

Lyophobic Colloids

“Lyophobic” refers to a person’s ability to reject liquids.

When metals and certain sulphide solids are simply scattered in the media, they do not form a colloidal suspension. These types of colloidal suspensions are made using only a few methods. When modest amounts of electrolytes are heated or shaken, these suspensions quickly coagulate, making them unstable. These suspensions are also known as irreversible suspensions. Stabilising agents are necessary for the maintenance of lyophobic suspensions.

Colloids are classed as Macromolecular, Multimolecular, or Related Colloids based on the type of particles in the dispersed phase:

According to the type of particles in the dispersion phase, colloids are classified as multi molecular, macromolecular, or related colloids.

Define Multimolecular colloids:

During dissolution, large numbers of atoms or tiny molecules of a substance clump together to form a species with a colloidal size spectrum (1–1000 nm).

It is because the particles are too tiny to form a colloid on their own. This procedure produces multimolecular colloids. Gold sol, for example, might contain a wide range of particle sizes and a huge number of atoms.

Define Macromolecular Colloids:

Colloids are formed when macromolecules are suspended in appropriate solvents, and their sizes are within the colloidal range. Macromolecular colloids are an example of this type of system. They are highly stable and, in many ways, re-create real-world problems. Natural macromolecular substances such as enzymes and proteins exist, while synthesised macromolecular compounds such as nylon, polythene, polystyrene, and artificial rubber exist. Lyophobic macromolecular colloids are also present.

Micelles (Associated Colloids):

Individual particles initially in solution unite to produce a colloidal sized particle termed as micelle, which is referred to as an associated colloid. It, however, only occurs above a specific concentration and temperature. Soap, detergent, and other similar items are examples of this.

Multimolecular vs Macromolecular Colloids: What’s the Difference?

Colloids are a homogenous mixture that does not settle the scattered particles. Colloids are classified based on various factors, including the type of particles present in the colloid, the physical condition of the particles in the colloid, the nature of particle-dispersion medium interactions, and so on. Multimolecular colloids, macromolecular colloids, and micelles are the three categories of colloids classified depending on the type of particles contained in the colloid. The significant distinction between multimolecular and macromolecular colloids is that multimolecular colloids have low molecular weight molecules, whereas macromolecular colloids have high molecular weight molecules.

Colloids have a wide range of industrial applications.

Applications of Colloids:

Here are a few examples:

• Smoke precipitation caused by electricity.
• Medicines to purify drinking water.
• Tanning.
• Soaps and detergents have a cleansing action.
• Plates and films for photography.
• Products for the Rubber Industry.

Conclusion:

We studied lyophobic multimolecular and macromolecular colloids in this article. Multimolecular colloids are extremely stable and can reassemble actual solutions in numerous ways. Natural macromolecular substances such as enzymes and proteins exist, while synthesised macromolecular compounds such as nylon, polythene, polystyrene, and artificial rubber exist.