ABSTRACT
In the past decades the phenomena at the solid/liquid interface have been often interpreted in terms of the surface complexation model (SCM), sometimes called the site binding model [1, 2]. Most of the related experimental studies Concern adsorption equilibrium and development of the surface charge. In addition, electrokinetic measurements are often reported. Adsorption of ionic species, i.e., binding of ionic groups, is markedly affected by the electrostatic potentials at the interface to which bound charged species are exposed. Interfacial electrostatic potentials could be calculated from the equilibrium parameters determined from adsorption and electrokinetic studies. In some cases they could also be measured. This chapter is devoted to the electrostatic potentials at the interface and will concern their definition, meaning, evaluation, and also their use in understanding the processes influenced by electrostatic interactions.
