The main focus of zeta potential analysis of macroscopic solid surfaces is to gain information on the surface charge. This charge is established on the surface of a solid material when it gets in contact with water. Furthermore, the zeta potential provides information on surface functionality, the specific interaction of dissolved compounds with the solid surface, and liquid-on-solid surface adsorption processes.


The zeta potential is thus important for understanding the behavior of solid materials in many technical processes where aqueous systems play a role, e.g. membranes for water treatment, biomaterials in contact with blood or wet processing of semiconductor wafers. Knowledge of the zeta potential of a material helps you optimize specific surface modification processes for a material to perform at its best when applied.