Buffer capacity is the amount of strong acid or base that can be added to a buffer solution before its pH changes significantly. It depends on two main factors:
1) The ratio of salt to acid or base in the buffer solution. A 1:1 ratio provides maximum buffer capacity.
2) The total buffer concentration. Higher concentrations allow more acid/base to be added before pH changes.
Other factors like temperature and ionic strength can also impact buffer capacity by altering the pH equilibrium. Maximum buffer capacity occurs when the pH equals the pKa and is directly proportional to total buffer concentration.