On the rolling of asymmetric inorganic-surfactant membrane into uncapped mesophase tubes

Abstract

On the basis of analytical electron microscopic observations, we propose that the water–air interface-mediated and aluminosilicate-encased lamellar mesophase, with epitaxial hexagonal mesophase adjoined from the water-side, roll into uncapped mesophase tubes in which the lamellar mesophase serves as the inner wall. This mechanism is consistent with the air bound hydrophobic nature of surfactant tail as well as intrinsic anisotropy in the distribution of charge and polymerization density across the mesophase interface. We show also that spiral rolling of the asymmetric composite membrane typically resulted in disordering and dislocations in the lamellar phase near the hinge, with the tapered end rolling into concentric tube.