Double layer (surface science)

In surface science, a double layer, also called an electrical double layer, is a structure formed at an object's surface when it is exposed to a fluid. It consists of a surface layer of adsorbed ions and a diffuse layer of mobile ions attracted by Coulomb force. Double layers are especially apparent in colloids and porous bodies, and affect electrode behavior and heterogeneous fluid-based systems including milk, blood, paint and ink.

Also called

Electrical double layer (EDL)

Charge layers

Surface charge and diffuse layer

Related phenomena

Electrokinetic and electroacoustic phenomena