Self-generation of colligative properties at hydrophilic surfaces

Abstract

The generally accepted view of osmotic pressure is that it is a colligative property, along with freezing point depression, boiling point elevation and vapour pressure lowering. These properties ideally depend on the concentration of dissolved solute molecules. Osmotic pressure, however, is also generated, without any solute, at hydrophilic surfaces. Here is presented a rationale and explanation for this phenomenon.