noun
- Ions of opposite charge that surround an ion in solution or in an ionic compound, balancing its electrical charge.
Usage: chemistry; plural form of counterion; commonly used in electrochemistry and polymer science
Examples
- In a sodium chloride solution, chloride ions act as counterions to sodium cations.
- The counterions surrounding the polymer chain affect its solubility in water.
- Counterions play a crucial role in stabilizing charged macromolecules in biological systems.
- The concentration of counterions influences the electrical conductivity of the electrolyte.
- In ion-exchange resins, counterions are exchanged to remove impurities from water.