Activity Coefficients and Coulombic Correction Factor for Surface Complexation Modeling

Surface complexation models employ mass law equations to describe the reaction of surface functional groups with ions in the solution and also Gouy-Chapman theory to consider the electrostatic effects in the surface reactions. In current surface complexation models, however, the coulombic factors used are not wholly consistent with the Gouy-Chapman model of the surface. This study was to provide the derivation of the coulombic term usually employed and then a revised coulombic term completely consistent with Gouy-Chapman Theory. The electrical potential energy. zF${\psi}$, in current surface complexation models is not consistent with the Gouy-Chapman theory with the potential gradient close to the charged surface but with the Donnan model with the uniform potential. Even though the new coulombic factor yielded lower surface potential, it provided worse fits for acid-base titration data of the goethite suspensions.