The role of electrolyte and polyelectrolyte on the adsorption of the anionic surfactant, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, at the air–water interface

The role of the polyelectrolyte, poly(ethyleneimine), PEI, and the electrolytes NaCl and CaCl2, on the adsorption of the anionic surfactant, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, LAS, at the air–water interface have been investigated by neutron reflectivity and surface tension. The surface tension data for the PEI/LAS mixtures are substantially affected by pH and the addition of electrolyte, and are consistent with a strong adsorption of surface polymer/surfactant complexes down to relatively low surfactant concentrations. The effects are most pronounced at high pH, and this is confirmed by the adsorption data obtained directly from neutron reflectivity. However, the effects of the addition of PEI and electrolyte on the LAS adsorption are not as pronounced as previously reported for PEI/SDS mixtures. This is attributed primarily to the steric hindrance of the LAS phenyl group resulting in a reduction in the ion–dipole attraction between the LAS sulfonate and amine groups that dominates the interaction at high pH.

Graphical abstractEnhanced LAS adsorption at low surfactant concentrations, due to surface complexation with polyelectrolyte, is most pronounced at high pH.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (57 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► Pronounced adsorption down to low surfactant concentrations. ► Pattern of adsorption is substantially altered by pH and added electrolyte. ► Layered structures at high pH and in the presence of NaCl and CaCl2. ► Surfactant architecture and addition of electrolyte manipulates adsorption.