Stability of aqueous TiO2 suspensions: influence of ethanol

Dispersion of titania particles in water has been achieved thanks to the addition of two different compounds: (C(2)H(5))(4)NOH and Tiron. To compact particles using an electrophoretic deposition process, ethanol, up to 20 vol%, was added as cosolvent to prevent water electrolysis. Alcohol addition strongly affects zeta potential values of particles and increases suspension viscosity but without influence the surface charge. The more realistic interpretation is that integration of ethanol molecules into the water network moves the slipping plane away from the surface, reducing the repulsive potential between particles that leads to suspension destabilization.