Physicochemical insights into cloud point phenomenon of Triton X-100 on carbon nanofibers

Abstract

Triton X-100 exhibits wide application potential as emulsifier, foaming and dispersion agent which are hampered by its temperature-sensitive behavior. It is a manifestation of the cloud point (CP) phenomenon of Triton X-100. Carbon nanomaterials are frequently dispersed with Triton X-100; however, the temperature-driven self-assembly behavior of the surfactant has never been discussed on such nanomaterials. The shape of Triton X-100 micellar aggregates in an aqueous medium or at the surfaces in itself is not clear and needs further explorations. The present study is performed to address both of these facets of Triton X-100. It discusses the CP phenomenon of Triton X-100 on carbon nanofibers (CNF) in an aqueous medium and at the surface of dispersed and acid-modified CNF at high temperature. For the very first time, the spherical-shaped micelles of Triton X-100 are visualized on CNF in an aqueous medium via FESEM and HRTEM studies. At the surface of CNF, the hemispherical-shaped micellar aggregates are formed. This unique behavior is attributed to the surface area and special morphological features of CNF, geometry, concentration and temperature-sensitive behavior of Triton X-100. It is hoped that this study will lead to better understanding of the interfacial mechanisms between Triton X-100 and carbon nanomaterials. The modified CNF exhibited good mechanical strength also so they are expected to foster thriving research fields such as flexible electronics.