title: Specific influence of univalent cations on the ionization of alumina-coated TiO2 particles and on the adsorption of poly(acrylic)acid.
abstract: A surface counterion titration method was used to monitor the interaction of monovalents cations (Li(+), Na(+), TMA(+)) with the surface of alumina-coated TiO(2) particles in concentrated media at different pH and electrolyte concentrations. This method allows measuring separately the negative and positive contribution to the surface charge. It showed that Cl(-) and TMA(+) are indifferent ions, but Li(+) and Na(+) specifically adsorb on the non-ionized alumina surface sites. The binding sequence of cations is Li(+)>Na(+)>TMA(+) at all ionic strengths investigated and is consistent with the structure-making and structure-breaking model developed a few decades ago. Polyacrylic acid (PAA) previously neutralized with the corresponding hydroxide (LiOH, NaOH, TMAOH) has been adsorbed on the alumina surface at different pH. The polymer counterion has a significant influence on the polymer adsorption. The sequence of the surface coverage as a function of the polymer counterion follows the order Li-PAA > Na-PAA > TMA-PAA. The much higher surface coverage with Li-PAA and Na-PAA compared to TMA-PAA is explained by the specific adsorption of Li-PAA and Na-PAA on the nonionized alumina surface sites, the same way LiCl and NaCl do.
authors.affiliation: CIPP, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, C.P. 500, Québec, G9A5H7, Trois-Rivières, Canada.
authors.forename: Alexandre
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Malgat
authors.forename: Jean-Philippe
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Boisvert
authors.forename: Claude
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Daneault