Rapid Ascent of Hollow Particles in Water Induced by an Electric Field
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThis paper focuses on the sedimentation of hollow particles in water under the action of a magnetic field. The research results confirm that the hollow particles in water can aggregate under an electric field. This work has a certain degree of innovation.
(1) The research results should show progressiveness in theory or technology. If this study only confirms previous views, it may not be appropriate
(2) The author states in the paper that this work was completed by a research group. It is more appropriate to include other researchers in the author list of the paper.
(3) In the abstract and conclusion of the paper, it is better to present data that can show the progressiveness of the study.
Comments on the Quality of English LanguageI recommend this paper for publication after minor revision. Overall, it is quite good. Some sentences need to be modified.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe experimental method proposed in the manuscript, which characterizes particle sedimentation/rising by measuring the solution’s transmittance, is highly intriguing and demonstrates a certain level of reliability. The proposed electrically-induced rapid separation (ERS) mechanism in the paper is consistent with experimental observations, making it highly valuable for studying particle separation or related applications.
There are some discussions and suggestions.
(1) The paper lacks detailed explanations and verifications of how the double layer around particles in the experimental setup of electrically-induced rapid separation (ERS) becomes “unstable” under the influence of an electric field. Would it be possible to consider using the DLVO theory for clarification?
(2) In line 75 of the materials and methods section, could you please provide the pH value of the measured solution conditions after deionization if available?
(3) It is suggested to utilize the measured Zeta potential curve to calculate the energy barrier through the DLVO theory at the corresponding pH values discussed in this research. This consideration would help explain the occurrence of particle adsorption and subsequent aggregation under different applied electric potentials, providing a more reasonable explanation of the electrically-induced rapid separation (ERS) mechanism mentioned in the manuscript.
Comments on the Quality of English Language
The first person should be avoided.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe manuscript reports the result on the study of aggregation and sedimentation/flotation under DC electric field. The result might be useful for rapid separation of particles from water.
My concern is possible effects of dissolution of metal ions from SUS304 electrode in water under applied electric current. Multivalent metal ions could adsorb particles and neutralize the net charge of particles. Also, at certain conditions of pH and metal concentration, formed precipitate induces so-called sweep coagulation. Isn’t it necessary to consider such mechanisms?
The authors report the zeta potential of used particles. However, the method of calculation of zeta potential from measured electrophoretic mobility is not mentioned. Depending on the pH/surface charge and salt concentration, we need to consider that the relaxation/polarization of electric double layer and slip length might affect the proper choice of equations to calculate zeta potential from electrophoretic mobility. This point should not be neglected.
Why didn’t the authors measure the electrophoretic mobility of aggregated particles after applying DC current?
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
Round 2
Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe manuscript was improved.
