Cryo-TEM studies of worm-like micellar solutions

Solutions of worm-like micelles display a rich rheological behavior that makes them useful as, for example, drag-reducing agents or viscosity enhancers. The properties of these solutions depend on the morphology and interactions between the micelles, both of which can be tuned by changing solution conditions. Although there has been extensive theoretical study of these solutions, there are often conflicting explanations, or no explanation, of an observed trend. Application of cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM) for the direct visualization of the micelles can help correlate microstructure to rheology. Of particular interest is the cause of a maximum in viscosity as a function of increasing surfactant or salt concentration. Several studies support the theory of a transition from linear to branched micelles, while other studies report no change in microstructure or no connection between structure evolution and changes in viscosity. More systematic and thorough studies that combine cryo-TEM with other experimental techniques are needed.