Phase behavior and self-assembly aggregation of hydrocarbon and fluorocarbon surfactant mixtures in aqueous solution

Similar to hydrogenated surfactant mixtures, the ones of hydrocarbon and fluorocarbon surfactants can also self-assemble into various aggregates, including mixed micelles and vesicles, however, completely different phase behavior and self-assembly of CH/CF surfactant mixtures in solution can be observed and exhibit novel features because of the repellence between the two hydrophobic chains. These systems of hydrocarbon and fluorocarbon surfactant mixtures can provide important considerations for both theoretical and applied interest. Several advantaged techniques, including small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), 19F- and 1H-NMR, cryo-TEM, and Freeze-fracture TEM (FF-TEM) have been widely employed to characterize these mixture systems. In this review, the aggregation behavior, self-assembly aggregation, and interaction of hydrocarbon and fluorocarbon surfactant mixtures in solution are described and focused three aspects, (i) immiscibility and nonideal mixing in hydrocarbon and fluorocarbon surfactant mixed micelles systems; (ii) spontaneous vesicles of hydrocarbon and fluorocarbon surfactant mixtures in aqueous solution; and (iii) self-assembled aggregates of hybrid fluorocarbon/hydrocarbon surfactants in aqueous solutions.

Unil-, multi-lamellar vesicles, large vesicles enclosing small unilamellar vesicles formed by hydrocarbon and fluorocarbon surfactant mixtures in water at 25 °C can be obtained by means of FF-TEM image, and the small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) measurements show clearly the lamellar structures.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► New results of hydrocarbon and fluorocarbon surfactant mixtures in solution were summarized.
► The aggregation behavior, self-assembly aggregation, and interaction are described in detail.
► Three aspects are focused.