Micellar Surfactant Solutions Research Articles

An Experimental Investigation into the Role of an In Situ Microemulsion for Enhancing Oil Recovery in Tight Formations

Surfactant huff-n-puff (HnP) has been shown to be an effective protocol to improve oil recovery in tight and ultratight reservoirs. The success of surfactant HnP for enhanced oil recovery (EOR) process depends on the efficiency of the designed chemical formula, as the formation of an in situ microemulsion by surfactant injection is considered to be the most desirable condition for achieving an ultra-low interfacial tension during the HnP process. In this work, we conducted experimental studies on the mechanism of in situ microemulsion EOR in the Mahu tight oil reservoir. Salinity scan experiments were carried out to compare different surfactants with crude oil from the Mahu reservoir, starting with the assessment of surfactant micellar solutions for their ability to form microemulsions with Mahu crude oil and examining the interfacial characteristics. Subsequently, detailed micromodels representing millimeter-scale fractures, micron-scale pores, and nano-scale channels were utilized to study the imbibition and flowback of various surfactant micellar solutions. Observations of the in situ microemulsion system revealed the mechanisms behind the enhanced oil recovery, which was the emulsification’s near-miscibility effect leading to microemulsion formation and its performance under low-interfacial-tension conditions. During the injection process, notable improvements in the micro-scale pore throat heterogeneity were observed, which improved the pore fluid mobility. The flowback phase improved the channeling between the different media, promoting a uniform movement of the oil–water interface and aiding in the recovery of a significant amount of the oil phase permeability.

Rheology of novel photosensitive viscoelastic trimeric cationic surfactant/trans‐ortho‐methoxycinnamic acid micellar solutions

AbstractPhotosensitive micellar solutions of mixed surfactants and photosensitive additives have gained much interest. However, there are no reports on photosensitive micellar solutions containing trimeric cationic surfactant. In the study, novel photosensitive viscoelastic micellar solutions consisting of trimeric cationic surfactant (TEC) and trans‐ortho‐methoxycinnamic acid (trans‐OMCA) were investigated. This study utilized rheology, UV–vis spectroscopy, and cryo‐TEM to investigate the photo‐responsive behavior and mechanism of the TEC/trans‐OMCA micellar solutions. Rheological studies revealed that the concentration of TEC and trans‐OMCA, as well as temperature, significantly affected the viscoelastic properties of the micellar solutions. Furthermore, the Carreau and Maxwell models might be used to characterize the flow curves and viscoelasticity of the micellar solutions, respectively. Notably, TEC/trans‐OMCA micellar solutions exhibited excellent light‐induced thinning characteristic, with the optimal performance at a mass ratio of φ = 0.5. After UV irradiation, the zero‐shear viscosity of TEC/trans‐OMCA (0.6/0.3 wt%) micellar solution was reduced by 352 times, while the viscoelasticity and the area of hysteresis loops were significantly reduced. This drastic change in the rheological characteristics of the micellar solutions could be attributed to the photoisomerization of trans‐OMCA and the resulting changes in the internal microstructure of the solutions. Moreover, the viscosity of the micellar solutions diminished as the temperature increased, with the remaining viscosity of the TEC/trans‐OMCA (1.0/0.5 wt%) micellar solution at 36.4 mPa s at 95°C. This study expands on the potential utilization of oligomeric surfactants in the construction of photorheological viscoelastic fluids.

Experimental studies on self-propulsion of deformable 5CB liquid crystal droplets in micellar solution

ABSTRACTThe 5CB liquid crystal droplets were found to self-propel when suspended in a micellar solution of surfactant. We report experimental studies on the motion of these droplets in a quasi-two-dimensional geometry. The droplets exhibit directed, self-avoiding, or random coiling trajectories depending on the size of the droplets compared to the height of the sample cell. The flattened droplets showed smoother trajectories and with self-crossing. Interestingly, the large flattened droplets were found to exhibit deformation of their apparent cross-section during their self-propulsive motion. These unique properties of self-propulsion of 5CB liquid crystal droplets in surfactant solution can provide a new opportunity to study active biomimetic systems.

Emergent properties of magnetic ions and nanoparticles in micellar solutions of surfactants: Use in fine technologies

Objectives. To establish expected emergent (unexpected) properties of magnetic materials when obtained in aqueous micellar solutions of surfactants (aqueous quantum materials), and their use in fine technologies.Methods. Chemical synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles in aqueous micellar solutions of surfactants of various nature. Characterization of magnetic solutions and nanoparticles by magnetic measurements, spectroscopy, diffractometry, small-angle X-ray diffraction, scanning probe microscopy, and others.Results. The term “water quantum material” refers to materials (micellar solutions) whose properties are mainly determined by the nuclear quantum effect on macroscopic scales (emergent property). Micellar solutions exhibit phenomena and functionality not always consistent with the classical theory of micellization. The article presents in detail the experimental results that suggest the manifestation of the emergent properties of magnetic materials obtained in aqueous micellar solutions of surfactants. In particular, Gd3+ ions in an aqueous micellar solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate exhibit paramagnetic properties, possibly indicating their random arrangement in solution contrary to the classical theory of micellization with an ordered adsorption layer on micelles. Hybrid Pt–Gd nanoparticles are formed in a quantum material with cetylpyridinium chloride as a matrix, although Gd3+ ions must be repelled by CP+ ions on micelles. Nanosized powders of cobalt ferrite and nickel ferrite obtained in a micellar solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate have superparamagnetic properties, although the presence of their precursor ions in the adsorption layer in classical micelles should lead to ferromagnetic properties.Conclusions. The synthesis of nanoparticles in a quantum material opens up the possibility of reducing ions of different signs in one stage during the processing of metallurgy waste, in order to obtain nanoparticles of various metals and their composites. Magnetic nanoparticles obtained in a quantum surfactant material self-assemble on various substrates, enabling the creation of materials whose residual magnetization and coercive field can be controlled at room temperatures.

Influence of phosphonium-based ionic liquid on the micellization behavior of surfactants system and potential application in paracetamol drug aggregation

The current study examines the effects of a phosphonium-based ionic liquid, trihexyltetra-decylphosphonium bis-(2,4,4-trimethyl pentyl)phosphinate [THTDPP], on the micellization properties of surfactants, namely sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and Triton X-100 by using the stalagmometry, viscosity, colorimetric, and FTIR methods. The surface adsorption parameters, such as CMC, γCMC, Γmax, Amin, πCMC, and pC20, were determined using the stalagmometry method. The results show that with the addition of different weight percentages of [THTDPP], the CMC and γCMC values decreased considerably in the following order: water >0.5 wt% of IL > 0.7 wt% of IL > 1.0 wt% of IL. The Amin values decreased with an increase in the wt% of IL for Triton X-100, but for SDS, this value increased. The pC20 was observed to be greater in Triton X-100 compared to SDS. The ability of [THTDPP] to decrease the CMC was found to be greater in Triton X-100 compared to SDS. The relative viscosity was calculated, and the first observation was made at the pre-CMC stage, where the concentration of SDS+0.7 wt% IL was 4.0 mM. The second finding was made post-CMC at a concentration of 5.0 mM. Afterward, the relative viscosity graph grew slowly and gradually. The functional groups involved in the complexation between [THTDPP] and both surfactants were examined using FTIR spectroscopy. Additionally, the micellar solutions of surfactants + [THTDPP] were used to explore Paracetamol [PCM] aggregation. The findings from UV–vis spectroscopy show that Triton X-100 exhibits the highest binding affinity and has the most encouraging effect compared to SDS.

Effect of surface energy on the removal of supported triglyceride films by a flowing surfactant solution

We investigate the role of substrate surface energy on the removal of triacylglycerol (TAG) films by a model surfactant solution under laminar flow conditions. We select a mixture of 0.5:0.3:0.2 triolein:tripalmitin:tristearin mass fraction as a model TAG, yielding a solid ‘fat’ film, and expose it to a micellar aqueous surfactant solution, flowing at rate 250 μLmin−1 (corresponding to a velocity of 1.4 cms−1), within a microfluidic channel. We employ a combination of optical and atomic force microscopy, profilometry, X-ray photoelectron and infrared spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements to characterise a range of model substrates, the TAG films, and their removal over time. Our experimental data show a clear dependence of the TAG removal time with surface energy and, in particular, with the polar component of the surface energy, γSFEP. TAG films on very hydrophilic surfaces, with high γSFEP (>20 mJ/m2), are generally found to delaminate rapidly, while those on lower γSFEP surfaces are progressively eroded over longer timescales. An approximately inverse linear relation is found between γSFEP and removal time τ, which holds for a large range of surfaces including glass, silicon and plastics, and various surface treatments.

Development of a Novel Surfactant-Based Viscoelastic Fluid System as an Alternative Nonpolymeric Fracturing Fluid and Comparative Analysis with Traditional Guar Gum Gel Fluid.

Surfactant-based viscoelastic (SBVE) fluids have recently gained interest from many oil industry researchers due to their polymer-like viscoelastic behaviour and ability to mitigate problems of polymeric fluids by replacing them during various operations. This study investigates an alternative SBVE fluid system for hydraulic fracturing with comparable rheological characteristics to conventional polymeric guar gum fluid. In this study, low and high surfactant concentration SBVE fluid and nanofluid systems were synthesized, optimized, and compared. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and counterion inorganic sodium nitrate salt, with and without 1 wt% ZnO nano-dispersion additives, were used; these are entangled wormlike micellar solutions of cationic surfactant. The fluids were divided into the categories of type 1, type 2, type 3, and type 4, and were optimized by comparing the rheological characteristics of different concentration fluids in each category at 25 °C. The authors have reported recently that ZnO NPs can improve the rheological characteristics of fluids with a low surfactant concentration of 0.1 M cetyltrimethylammonium bromide by proposing fluids and nanofluids of type 1 and type 2. In addition, conventional polymeric guar gum gel fluid is prepared in this study and analyzed for its rheological characteristics. The rheology of all SBVE fluids and the guar gum fluid was analyzed using a rotational rheometer at varying shear rate conditions from 0.1 to 500 s-1 under 25 °C, 35 °C, 45 °C, 55 °C, 65 °C, and 75 °C temperature conditions. The comparative analysis section compares the rheology of the optimal SBVE fluids and nanofluids in each category to the rheology of polymeric guar gum fluid for the entire range of shear rates and temperature conditions. The type 3 optimum fluid with high surfactant concentration of 0.2 M cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and 1.2 M sodium nitrate was the best of all the optimum fluids and nanofluids. This fluid shows comparative rheology to guar gum fluid even at elevated shear rate and temperature conditions. The comparison of average viscosity values under a different group of shear rate conditions suggests that the overall optimum SBVE fluid prepared in this study is a potential nonpolymeric viscoelastic fluid candidate for hydraulic fracturing operation that could replace polymeric guar gum fluids.

Aqueous solutions of non-ionic surfactant mixtures as mediums for green extraction of polyphenols from red grape pomace

Grapevine production is predominantly oriented towards winemaking, consequently generating large amount of polyphenol-rich waste. Micellar solutions of surfactants are recognized for their ability to efficiently solubilize compounds from different plant material. This study examined potential of water solutions of mixtures of non-ionic surfactants Brij S20 (BS20) and poloxamer 407 (P407) for the extraction of polyphenols from red grape pomace. Critical micelle concentrations of extraction mediums (mixtures of BS20/P407 1:1, 1:9 and 9:1) were determined. Total phenolic content, individual phenolic profile and antioxidant capacity of extracts were examined. Measurement of hydrodynamic radii of micelles before and after extraction was performed. Water, water:ethanol (1:1) and pure BS20 and P407 extracts were used for comparison. Values of experimental critical micelle concentrations decreased with decreasing mole fraction of P407 and synergistic interactions between components of mixed micelles were observed. Total phenolic contents of BS20/P407 (9:1) and (1:1) extracts were 54.49 ± 0.12 and 54.73 ± 0.26 mg GAE/g DW, respectively, and these values are up to 19% higher than those obtained with pure surfactants. The most pronounced increase in solubilization efficiency in mixed micelles (BS20/P407 (1:1) and (9:1)) was observed for less polar compounds (e.g., quercetin, kaempferol and rutin) compared to a single-surfactant-micelles. All investigated systems showed an increase in micelle size after extraction. The present study has demonstrated green method for extraction of polyphenols from grape pomace with assistance of water solutions of non-ionic surfactant mixtures, which could be useful for further practical applications.

Estimation of Nanoparticle’s Surface Electrostatic Potential in Solution Using Acid–Base Molecular Probes II: Insight from Atomistic Simulations of Micelles

Exploiting acid-base indicators as molecular probes is one of the most popular methods for determining the surface electrostatic potential Ψ in hydrophilic colloids like micellar surfactant solutions and related systems. Specifically, the indicator's apparent acidity constant index is measured in the colloid solution of interest and, as a rule, in a nonionic surfactant solution; the difference between the two is proportional to Ψ. Despite the widespread use of this approach, a major problem remains unresolved, namely, the dissimilarity of Ψ values obtained with different indicators for the same system. The common point of view recognizes the effect of several factors (the choice of the nonionic surfactant, the probe's localization, and the degree of hydration of micellar pseudophase) but does not allow to quantitatively assess their impact and decide which indicator reports the most correct Ψ value. Here, based on the ability to predict the reported Ψ values in silico, we examined the role of these factors using molecular dynamics simulations for five probes and two surfactants. The probe's hydration in the Stern layer was found responsible for approximately half of the dissimilarity range. The probe's localization is found important but hard to quantify because of the irregular structure of the Stern layer. The most accurate indicators among the examined set were identified. Supplementing experiments on measuring Ψ with molecular dynamics simulation is proposed as a way of improving the efficacy of the indicator method: the simulations can guide the choice of the most suitable probe and nonionic surfactant for the given nanoparticles.

Estimation of Nanoparticle’s Surface Electrostatic Potential in Solution Using Acid–Base Molecular Probes I: In Silico Implementation for Surfactant Micelles

Surface electrostatic potential Ψ is a key characteristic of colloid particles. Since the surface of the particles adsorbs various compounds and facilitates chemical reactions between them, Ψ largely affects the properties of adsorbed reactants and governs the flow of chemical reactions occurring between them. One of the most popular methods for estimating Ψ in hydrophilic colloids, such as micellar surfactant solutions and related systems, is the application of molecular probes, predominantly acid-base indicator dyes. The Ψ value is calculated from the difference of the probe's indices of the apparent acidity constant between the examined colloid solution and, usually, some other colloid solution with noncharged particles. Here, we show how to implement this method in silico using alchemical free energy calculations within the framework of molecular dynamics simulations. The proposed implementation is tested on surfactant micelles and is shown to predict experimental Ψ values with quantitative accuracy depending on the kind of surfactant. The sources of errors in the method are discussed, and recommendations for its application are given.

Characterization of a Novel Amphiphilic Cationic Chlorin Photosensitizer for Photodynamic Applications.

A novel amphiphilic cationic chlorin e6 derivative was investigated as a promising photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy. Two cationic -N(CH3)3+ groups on the periphery of the macrocycle provide additional hydrophilization of the molecule and ensure its electrostatic binding to the mitochondrial membranes and bacterial cell walls. The presence of a hydrophobic phytol residue in the same molecule results in its increased affinity towards the phospholipid membranes while decreasing its stability towards aggregation in aqueous media. In organic media, this chlorin e6 derivative is characterized by a singlet oxygen quantum yield of 55%. Solubilization studies in different polymer- and surfactant-based supramolecular systems revealed the effective stabilization of this compound in a photoactive monomolecular form in micellar nonionic surfactant solutions, including Tween-80 and Cremophor EL. A novel cationic chlorin e6 derivative also demonstrates effective binding towards serum albumin, which enhances its bioavailability and promotes effective accumulation within the target tissues. Laser confocal scanning microscopy demonstrates the rapid intracellular accumulation and distribution of this compound throughout the cells. Together with low dark toxicity and a rather good photostability, this compound demonstrates significant phototoxicity against HeLa cells causing cellular damage most likely through reactive oxygen species generation. These results demonstrate a high potential of this derivative for application in photodynamic therapy.

Highly Selective Methodology for Entrapment and Subsequent Removal of Cobalt (II) Ions under Optimized Conditions by Micellar-Enhanced Ultrafiltration

Micellar-enhanced ultrafiltration (MEUF), being a separation technique, was used to remove cobalt metal ion (Co2+) from their aqueous solutions in an application to reduce the toxicity level from industrial effluents using a micellar solution of anionic and cationic surfactants. The metal ions were first adsorbed by using anionic surfactants, i.e., sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and sodium oleate (SO). The calculations for partition (Kx) and binding constants (Kb) and their respective free energy of partition and binding (ΔGp and ΔGb kJmol-1) helped significantly to find out the extent of binding or interaction of Co2+ with the surfactant and ΔGp and ΔGb were found to be -29.50 and -19.38 kJmol-1 for SDS and -23.95 and -12.67 kJmol-1 in the case of SO. MEUF work was also performed to find out the optimal conditions to remove metal pollutants from the aqueous system. For the said purpose, various factors and concentrations effect were studied, such as the concentration of the surfactant, concentration of the electrolyte (NaCl), transmembrane pressure, RPM, and pH. The efficiency of this process was checked by calculating various parameters, such as rejection percentage (R%) and permeate flux (J). A maximum rejection of 99.95% with SDS and 99.99% with SO was attained.

Photophysical properties and aggregation behavior of diethylene glycol substituted pyropheophorbide-a in cationic surfactant solutions

The aggregation behavior of a novel amphiphilic photosensitizer - pyropheophorbide-[Formula: see text] 17-diethylene glycol ester 1 was studied in aqueous and aqueous-organic mixtures by means of steady-state absorption and fluorescence emission spectroscopy. The formation of [Formula: see text]-aggregates with a bathochromic shift of the absorption bands, weak fluorescence and resonance enhancement of the light scattering was observed in the mixed water-organic solvents. Solubilization studies in micellar cationic surfactant solutions of alkyl trimethylammonium bromides (C[Formula: see text]TAB) and alkyl triphenylphosphonium bromides (C[Formula: see text]TPPB) resulted in the most effective stabilization of the fluorescent monomolecular form of 1 in C[Formula: see text]TPPB micelles. It was shown that [Formula: see text]-aggregate formation in submicellar surfactant solutions is the initial stage of the solubilization process, which significantly increases in phosphate buffer medium at pH 7.4. Fluorescence lifetime ([Formula: see text] of 1 in DMSO was found to be 7.4 ns, fluorescence quantum yield - 34% and singlet oxygen quantum yield - 62%. The results obtained indicate the need for further studies of compound 1 solubilized in C[Formula: see text]TPPB micelles as the most promising prototype of the drug formulation for mitochondria-targeted photodynamic therapy of cancer.

A Novel ZnO Nanoparticles Enhanced Surfactant Based Viscoelastic Fluid Systems for Fracturing under High Temperature and High Shear Rate Conditions: Synthesis, Rheometric Analysis, and Fluid Model Derivation.

Surfactant-based viscoelastic (SBVE) fluids are innovative nonpolymeric non-newtonian fluid compositions that have recently gained much attention from the oil industry. SBVE can replace traditional polymeric fracturing fluid composition by mitigating problems arising during and after hydraulic fracturing operations are performed. In this study, SBVE fluid systems which are entangled with worm-like micellar solutions of cationic surfactant: cetrimonium bromide or CTAB and counterion inorganic sodium nitrate salt are synthesized. The salt reagent concentration is optimized by comparing the rheological characteristics of different concentration fluids at 25 °C. The study aims to mitigate the primary issue concerning these SBVE fluids: significant drop in viscosity at high temperature and high shear rate (HTHS) conditions. Hence, the authors synthesized a modified viscoelastic fluid system using ZnO nanoparticle (NPs) additives with a hypothesis of getting fluids with improved rheology. The rheology of optimum fluids of both categories: with (0.6 M NaNO3 concentration fluid) and without (0.8 M NaNO3 concentration fluid) ZnO NPs additives were compared for a range of shear rates from 1 to 500 Sec−1 at different temperatures from 25 °C to 75 °C to visualize modifications in viscosity values after the addition of NPs additives. The rheology in terms of viscosity was higher for the fluid with 1% dispersed ZnO NPs additives at all temperatures for the entire range of shear rate values. Additionally, rheological correlation function models were derived for the synthesized fluids using statistical analysis methods. Subsequently, Herschel–Bulkley models were developed for optimum fluids depending on rheological correlation models. In the last section of the study, the pressure-drop estimation method is described using given group equations for laminar flow in a pipe depending on Herschel–Bulkley-model parameters have been identified for optimum fluids are consistency, flow index and yield stress values.

Study of the formation of micelles and their structure by the spin probe method

The aim. To study the surfactant solutions depending on the type and concentration of surfactants as well as their interaction with some excipients by spin probe method.
 Materials and methods. Solutions of ionic and nonionic surfactants containing 4 spin probes differing in molecular structure and solubility were studied. Electronic paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra were obtained and their type and parameters were determined. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) was determined from the surface tension isotherm, and the rheological parameters were studied by rotational viscometry.
 Results. The shape of the EPR spectra and the spectral parameters of the spin probes depended on both the surfactant concentration and the molecular structure and solubility of these spin probes. There was a concentration range in which associations with surfactants formed at surfactant concentrations below the CMC. At surfactant concentrations above the CMC and up to 1 %, the structure of the surfactant micelles did not change. In the micelles, the surfactant modelling probes rotated rapidly about the long axis of the molecule and perpendicular to it, while they were fixed in the radial direction. The rotational diffusion of probes dissolved in water was much faster. The micelle cores formed by nonionic surfactant and P338 were more viscous compared to ionic surfactants. Surfactant micelles were anisotropic in viscosity, and different segments of the alkyl chains of surfactant modelling probes had different dynamic properties. The packing of molecules in the micelles was more ordered and compacted at the level of the fifth carbon atom. The interactions between surfactant and probe and between cationic surfactant and disodium edetate were determined from the parameters of the EPR spectra. The relationship between the changes in the parameters of the EPR spectra with increasing temperature, the P338 content in the solutions, and the sol-gel transition was revealed. Solubilization of lipophilic substances by P338 solutions increased due to the interaction of propylene glycol and P338.
 Conclusions. The shape and parameters of the EPR spectra in real solutions and micellar solutions of surfactants were different and also depended on the structure and solubility of spin probes. Surfactant micelles were anisotropic in viscosity, and different segments of the alkyl chains of surfactant modelling probes had different dynamic properties. The packing of molecules in the micelles was more ordered and compacted at the level of the fifth carbon atom. The EPR spectra and/or their parameters changed due to the interaction between surfactant and probe, surfactant and other substances, or sol-gel transitions in P338 solutions

Assessment of the safety of the use of plant protection products - derivatives of aromatic amines based on micellar catalytic reactions

The features of the interaction of aromatic aldehydes (by the example of p- dimethylaminocinnamaldehyde) with pesticides, derivatives of aromatic amines and ureas were studied; the optimal conditions for the reaction were determined; the influence of various types of surface-active substances on the state of the reaction products was studied; the choice of the type of anionic surfactant to improve the analytical characteristics of the reaction products was justified. They are developed highly efficient methods for the photometric and test determination of individual pesticides, derivatives of aromatic amines and ureas, at the level of MAC fractions in micellar surfactant solutions.

Enhancement in aqueous solubility of sulindac medicine by using the micellar solution of ionic and non-ionic surfactants

In the science of pharmacology, solubility plays a crucial role in the efficacy and bioavailability of the drug. Utilizing solubility features to improve the bioavailability and pharmacological effect of diverse weakly soluble substances, is an arduous task for pharmaceutical experts and researchers. Particle size, surface area, physicochemical qualities, physical forms of drugs, solvents and surfactant usage are parameters that influence solubility. The objective of the current study was to enhance the solubility of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID): Sulindac. The micellar solutions method was employed with different surfactants to increase the efficiency. Both nonionic (Tween 20, 40, 60 and 80 with Brij 30, 35 and 56) and ionic (SDS, SDBS, CTAB, TTAB and DTAB) surfactants were investigated for their effect on drug solubility in aqueous solution. Various parameters of surfactant solutions such as aggregation number, micelle-water partition coefficient (KM), molar solubilization ratio (MSR), Gibbs energy of solubilization (∆Gº s), size of micelle and binding constant of the drug micelles were measured. Finding reveals that the use of mentioned surfactant is an excellent approach to enhancing the solubility of sulindac. Furthermore, the present work provides an understanding of the relation of aqueous solubility with aggregation number and structure of surfactants used.

Self-organised surfactant assemblies as nanostructured dye carriers: a mixed micellar comparative approach for enhanced dye solubilisation

ABSTRACT The reported work is focused on the solubility of Rhodamine B (cationic dye), as an important methodology to investigate the extent of incorporation or penetration of dye inside the micelles spectroscopically, so the solubilised dye can be filtered via Micellar-enhanced ultrafiltration process to keep our environment safe from toxic effects of industrial effluent. Solutions were prepared by using micellar media of anionic surfactants i.e. Sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), Sodium Oleate (SO) as well as mixed micellar media of said anionics with non-ionic surfactant i.e. Triton X-100 (TX-100). The extent of solubilisation has been, quantitatively, calculated using data of differential spectroscopy, in terms of partition coefficient Kx and Gibbs energy of partition, ∆Gp. It has been observed that mixed micellar media has better solubilisation capacity than micellar solution of individual surfactants. A better micellar solubilisation and ultimately the high Gibbs energy of partition, ∆Gp with SO/TX-100 system i.e. −40.89 as compared to SDS/TX-100 system (−37.03) has been observed due to the presence of long carbon chain in SO.

Transformation of an Aqueous Micellar Phase to a Bilayer of Gemini Surfactants on Gold Nanoparticles: A Steady-State and Time-Resolved Fluorescence and Fluorescence Anisotropy Study by Tuning the Precise Locations of Probes

The present work reports the transformation of aqueous micelles of gemini surfactants (12-4-12,2Br– or 12-8-12,2Br–) to a bilayer of surfactants on the surface of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) capped with citrate during their in situ synthesis. The synthesized AuNPs are characterized using surface plasmon resonance (SPR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), dynamic light scattering (DLS), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) techniques. The transformation of micelles to a surfactant bilayer with time is understood with the help of fluorescence measurements such as steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence and fluorescence anisotropy, probed by tuning the precise locations of two fluorophores, Coumarin-480 (C-480) and rhodamine 6G (Rh6G), present in the micelles. As the formation of AuNPs initiates, the dyes get relocated from micelles to a site near the NP surface, which results in fluorescence quenching and a decrease in lifetime due to the nanomaterial surface energy transfer (NSET) from the donor dye to the acceptor AuNPs. The results indicated that Rh6G lies close to the head groups of the surfactant in micelles. Fast segmental/tumbling motions of Rh6G in micelles/bilayers are primarily responsible for the decay of anisotropy to zero. Lateral diffusion is responsible for slow rotational relaxation. With the growth of rod/needle-shaped NPs, the average lifetime and rotational relaxation time increase with an increase in fluorescence intensity due to the transfer of dye molecules from the NP surface to the interior of the bilayer. A significant change in the weightage of the slow component of C-480 compared to that of Rh6G with the formation of the bilayer supports that the former dye is located deep inside the bilayer with an equal contribution to depolarization from both the rotational motions at equilibrium. The excitation wavelength-dependent rotational relaxation time of Rh6G in the bilayer supports the prolate ellipsoidal shape of AuNPs surrounded by the bilayer. This study can help understand the mechanism of drug loading in forming metal NP-based hybrid drug delivery systems in an aqueous micellar solution of gemini surfactants.

Mechanisms of water block removal by surfactant micellar solutions in low permeability reservoirs

The existing researches on surfactant micellar solutions mainly focus on the formulation optimization and core flooding test, and the types and mechanisms of cleanup additives suitable for low permeability reservoir remain unclear. The flowback efficiencies of different types of surfactant micellar solutions were evaluated by core experiments, a multi-level pore-throat system micromodel characterizing pore-throat structures of low permeability reservoir was made, and flooding and flowback experiments of brine and surfactant micellar solutions of different salinities were conducted with the micromodel to show the oil flowback process in micron pores under the effect of surfactant micellar solution visually and reveal the mechanisms of enhancing displacement and flowback efficiency of surfactant micellar solution. During the displacement and flowback of brine and low salinity surfactant micellar solution, many small droplets were produced, when the small droplets passed through pore-throats, huge percolation resistance was created due to Jamin’s effect, leading to the rise of displacement and flowback pressure differences and the drop of flowback efficiency. The surfactant micellar solutions with critical salinity and optimal salinity that were miscible with crude oil to form Winsor III micro-emulsion didnot produce mass small droplets, so they could effectively reduce percolation resistance and enhance oil displacement and flowback efficiency.