Abstract
The origin of charges in nonpolar liquids with surfactant is not completely understood. This study does not only look at bulk mechanisms as the origin of charged inverse micelles, but includes processes at the liquid/electrode interfaces. We apply a voltage over a layer of nonpolar liquid with surfactant and measure the current. Information about the generation of new charges is obtained from the remaining current after the initially present charges have reached equilibrium. We find that, for low voltages, the residual current is proportional with the electric field near the electrodes. This can not be explained by bulk generation alone. We interpret these results by assuming that inverse micelles exchange charge with an adsorbed layer of surfactant molecules at the electrodes. The findings of this study are relevant for technologies such as microfluidics and electrophoretic ink, where injection of charge from the electrodes contributes to power consumption and hydrodynamic instabilities.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callMore From: Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects
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.
