Surface potential dominating crystal growth rates of K₂SO₄

This study is based on the hypothesis claiming that solubility and crystal growth and dissolution kinetics of K₂SO₄ are dominated by the surface potential distribution. Specific anion adsorption is the main reason for the occurrence of negatively charged surface and this adsorption is a function of the surface quality. Anion adsorption results in the formation of the electrical double layer, which leads to extra resistance to crystal growth. K₂SO₄ seed crystals having different surface potentials were classified by an electrostatic separator and used in the measurement of crystal growth rates in a single crystal cell. It has been shown that growth rates of crystals with lower charges are higher than those having higher charges. Dispersions in growth and dissolution rates were explained by surface potential distribution.