The oxide-water interface—Interrelation of the zero point of charge and the heat of immersion

Abstract

A quantitative linear relation between the heat of immersion and the pH of the zero point of charge (zpc) of inorganic oxides has been derived. The validity of the derivation has been substantiated by literature values of the two quantities for the inorganic oxides. The basis of the correlation is examined in terms of the electrostatic field strengths of the oxide surfaces, and the role of this field strength in determining both heat of immersion and zpc phenomena is discussed. The field is considered to control both the adsorption and dissociation of water molecules at the solid-liquid interface.