Comments on “Part I: determination of a structure/property transformation mechanism responsible for changes in the point of zero change of anatase titania with decreasing particle size” by M. Leffler, A. Mirich, J. Fee, S. March and S. L. Suib, RSC Adv., 2024, 14, 30543

Abstract

The work mentioned in the title of this comment appears to establish a relationship between the point of zero charge of oxide minerals (anatase, goethite, and others) and particle size. While the methods to establish the point of zero charge used in the experimental work of the paper are non-standard and need to be critically assessed, the apparent increase of the point of zero charge with particle size is clearly not a general feature and some literature data observed by standard methods for measuring points of zero charge actually suggest the absence of a universal trend. Since part II of article series (RSC Adv., 2024, 14, 30317) also builds on this apparent relationship, we believe readers should be cautioned about it. The comment discusses the issues in more detail.