Possibilities of phase separation in colloidal suspensions

Different physical mechanisms leading to phase separation in colloidal fluids are reviewed. Phase separation into two fluid phases can be induced by (a) the long-ranged van der Waals attraction between the colloidal spheres, (b) counterion overscreening, (c) added polymer (d) depletion effects of the solvent, (e) a solvent phase transition. If a strong short-range attraction between the colloidal spheres is present, phase separation occurs into two isostructural solid colloidal phases.