Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
612837 Journal of Colloid and Interface Science 2007 7 Pages PDF
Abstract

The sizes of nonionic reverse micelles were investigated as a function of the molecular structure of the surfactant, the type of oil, the total concentration of surfactant [NP], the ratio of surfactant to total surfactant (r), the water to surfactant molar ratio (ω), temperature, salt concentration, and polar phase. The basis of our investigation was a mixture of nonylphenol polyethoxylates—NP4 and NP7, various polar phases, and several oils. Micelle sizes were determined using dynamic light scattering (DLS). A central composite experimental design was used to quantitatively model micelle size as a function of ω, surfactant concentration, and r. The model has demonstrated the capability of predicting the mean diameter of micelles from 4 to 13 with a precision of ±2 nm as measured by DLS. This quantitative correlation between the size of reverse micelles and the synthetic variables provides the foundation for choosing experimental conditions to control reverse micelle size. In turn, this allows control of the size of nanoparticles synthesized within them.

Graphical abstractThe sizes of nonionic reverse micelles were modeled as a function of several parameters and demonstrated the capability of predicting the mean diameter of micelles from 4 to 13 with a precision of ±2 nm as measured by DLS.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide

Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering Chemical Engineering Colloid and Surface Chemistry
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