Self-assembling of ion-containing polymers and surfactants in aqueous solutions studied by ESR and fluorescence probes

We present a review of spectroscopic probe studies on self-assembling of ionic amphiphiles in aqueous solutions. The potential of electron spin resonance (X-band electron spin resonance (ESR)) and fluorescence methods is illustrated by the examples of experiments performed in our laboratories for the systems containing ionomers, short-chain surfactants and polyelectrolytes. In particular, the use of protiated probes to examine fluorinated hosts is discussed.