Soot particles at the aqueous interface and effects on foams stability

► Interfacial properties evidence the synergistic interaction between combustion derived particles and cationic surfactants. ► Nanoparticle aggregates are formed in the dispersion with hydrophilic interstices able to act as adsorption sites for CTAB. ► The interfacial tension and the dilational rheology of the aqueous dispersions is related to the ability to form stable foams. ► Different structure and morphology of the particles account for the different behavior of the interfacial properties and foam.