In this paper, we provide a theory to pinpoint the role of electric double layer (EDL) interactions in governing the contact angle of an electrolyte drop on a charged solid in air or a bubble on a charged surface within an electrolyte solution. The EDL interactions are analytically solved by representing the three phase contact line as a wedge edge, with the wedge being formed by the solid-liquid and the air-liquid interfaces, and calculating the corresponding Maxwell stresses. We demonstrate that the EDL effects induce an “electrowetting-like” behavior, resulting in a lowering of the contact angle. As a specific example, we use this model to analyze the effect of added salt on preformed surface nanobubbles, and find, in contrast to what has been reported earlier, that even for most moderate conditions, added salt may have remarkable effect in altering the contact angle in preformed surface nanobubbles.

• Received 27 June 2013

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.88.033021