Abstract
Adsorption layers of penta(ethylene oxide) n-dodecyl ether (C12E5) at the air/liquid interface have been studied using the surface-sensitive technique vibrational sum frequency spectroscopy (VSFS). The CH and COC stretching vibrations of the surfactant molecule, as well as the OH stretching vibrations of the surface water molecules, have been targeted to obtain a comprehensive picture of the adsorption process. The concentration range studied comprises different adsorption regimes, starting from the neat water surface until attaining the saturated liquid expanded monolayer when approaching the critical micellar concentration (cmc). The surfactant molecules were found to first adsorb to the air−liquid interface with their hydrocarbon tails preferentially orientated close to the surface plane, surrounded by patches of unperturbed surface water. These patches were only seen to disappear at areas per molecule close to 65 A2, coinciding with a sudden change in the orientation of the surfactant alkyl chains, wh...
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 callDisclaimer: 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.
