Self-assembled nano structures of cationic ester-containing gemini surfactants: The surfactant structure and salt effects

- The aggregation behavior of ester-containing cationic gemini surfactants were studied.
- The ester-containing gemini surfactants formed spherical aggregates at dilute concentration.
- At higher concentration, dodecyl betainate gemini (s = 2) formed worm-like micelles.
- Dodecyl betainate gemini (s = 3) formed large vesicles enclosing smaller ones.
- The salt addition induced the growth of micelles and changed the morphology for betainate (s = 2).