Sensitivity of cationic surfactant templates to specific anions in liquid interface crystallization

► Cationic monolayers at liquid interface of aqueous microdroplet were prepared. ► CTAB and DODAB monolayers promote crystal nucleation of K2SO4. ► Specific anions affect CTAB-promoted nucleation, but not DODAB. ► Interaction between surfactant monolayer and anions depends on surfactant nature.