STREAMING CURRENT AND STREAMING POTENTIAL ON STRUCTURED SURFACES

An account is given in this paper of the electrokinetic theory of surfaces covered with charged layers. Streaming current measurement is shown to be equivalent to electrophoretic mobility measurements. A new model is introduced for the distribution of fixed charges inside a surface layer. This model is helpful in obtaining an analytical solution to the problem without linearization of the Poisson-Boltzmann equation. Several distinct distributions are discussed in numerical terms. Also calculated are the surface conductivity and, consequently, the streaming potential. It is demonstrated that surfaces with charged layers can have extraordinarily high surface conductivities. A comparison between the theory and experimental data for glass is made.