Stabilizing agents are crucial in colloidal chemistry as they prevent the aggregation of particles. They work by providing a steric or electrostatic barrier that keeps the particles apart. Common stabilizing agents include PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone), CTAB (cetyltrimethylammonium bromide), and citrate ions. The choice of stabilizing agent can influence the size, shape, and surface properties of the colloidal particles, thereby affecting their catalytic performance.
