Details about the Formation and Structural Evolution of Complexes of Humic Acid with Oppositely Charged Polyelectrolytes

Removal of Natural Organic Matter, humic acid (HA) is the main component, is a central problem during production of drinking water, thereby a central question for mankind. For that purpose polycations are employed and this process has been studied intensely, however, little with respect to the detailed colloidal aspects of this problem. This complexation has been studied by us, and in addition to conventionally used PDADMAC we have recently developed modified cationic chitosan compounds which show promising results in HA removal. To gain deeper insight into the interactions we will do stopped-flow SANS experiments in which HA and polycation are rapidly mixed and structural evolution of the formed complexes is observed. By knowing the initial stages we expect to gain a much better understanding of this important process that allows to tailor complexing polycations in a systematic fashion.