Abstract

The aggregation behaviors of a series of dissymmetric cationic Gemini surfactants, [C(m)H(2m+1)(CH(3))(2)N(CH(2))(2)N(CH(3))(2)C(n)H(2n+1)]Br(2), designated as m-2-n (with a fixed m + n = 24, m = 16, 14, 12) have been investigated in a protic ionic liquid, ethylammonium nitrate (EAN). Surface tension, polarized optical microscopy (POM), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and rheological measurements are adopted to investigate the micellization and lyotropic liquid crystal (LLC) formation. The obtained results indicate that the structure dissymmetry plays an important role in aggregation process of m-2-n. With increasing degree of dissymmetry, the critical micellization concentration, the maximum reduction of solvent surface tension, and the minimum area occupied per surfactant molecule at the air/EAN interface all become smaller. The thermostability of formed LLCs is therefore improved because of the more compact molecules. These characteristics can be explained by the enhancement of solvophobic effect due to the increased structure dissymmetry of Gemini surfactants.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.