Zeta-potential analyzer

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Two well-funded groups in the Chemistry department of UVic (Moffitt group, van Veggel group) have strong research programs in advanced materials for photonics and bio-imaging based on colloidal systems. We are requesting funds for a zeta potential analyzer, which allows characterization of surface charge of colloidal particles- a fundamental and important parameter that governs interactions and stability in charged colloidal systems.  Recent research advances in both the Moffitt and van Veggel groups have resulted in an increased interest in the potential applications of charged and water-soluble colloids for photonic materials and bio-labels. In such systems, characterization of the zeta potential (and hence the surface charge) is essential to understanding electrostatic interactions and colloidal stability. Despite very promising initial results from both groups, research advances are curtailed in several ways by a critical "blind spot": the current lack of instrumentation to characterize the zeta potential. The proposed instrument is an extremely cost-effective method to provide us with this essential information, and to shed critical light on several exciting projects.