Solvent and Solute Effects on Hydration and Aggregation Numbers of Triton X-100 Micelles

Abstract

Quasi-elastic light scattering spectroscopy was used to measure the mutual diffusion coefficient Dm of Triton X-100 micelles, and the probe diffusion coefficient Dp of polystyrene latex spheres diffusing through micelle solutions. The solution ionic strength has a substantial effect on aggregation number N and hydration δ of Triton X-100 micelles, N and δ both increasing with increasing salt concentration. This behavior may be qualitatively described as arising from a salt-induced change in the location of the water/Triton X-100 cloud curve.