We have investigated some surface properties of asphaltenes precipitated from crude oil with different volumes of n-heptane. According to the crude oil/n-heptane proportions used, asphaltenes are identified as 1:5, 1:15 and 1:40. Zeta potential results indicate that the amount of n-heptane determines the electrokintetic behaviour of asphaltenes in aqueous suspensions. Asphaltene 1:5 exhibits an isoelectric point (IEP) at pH 4.5 whereas asphaltenes 1:15 and 1:40 show an IEP at about pH 3. Surface charge on asphaltenes arises from the dissociation of acid functionalities and the protonation of basic functional groups. The presence of resins remaining on the asphaltene molecules may be responsible for the different IEP of asphaltene 1:5. Both sodium dodecyl sulfate (an anionic surfactant) and cetylpyridinium chloride (a cationic surfactant) were found to adsorb specifically onto asphaltenes. They reverse the sign of the zeta potential under certain conditions. These surfactants may be potential candidates to aid in controlling the stability of crude oil dispersions. Critical micelle concentration, interfacial tension measurements, and Langmuir isotherms at the air-water interface confirm the different nature of asphaltene 1:5, which also showed more solubility and a larger molecular size. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.