Ultrafast dynamics in reverse micelles

Recent advances in ultrafast laser technology have spurred investigations of microheterogeneous solutions. In particular, researchers have explored details of reverse micelles (RMs), which present isolated droplets of polar solvent sequestered from a continuous nonpolar phase by a surfactant layer. This review explores recent studies utilizing a variety of ultrafast laser techniques to uncover details about structure and dynamics in various RMs. Using ultrafast vibrational spectroscopy, researchers have probed hydrogen-bond dynamics and vibrational energy relaxation in RMs. These studies have developed our understanding of reverse micellar structure, identifying varying water environments in the RMs. In a plethora of experiments employing probe molecules, researchers have explored the confined environment presented by RMs and their impact on a range of chemical reactions. These studies have shown that confinement, rather than the specific interactions with surfactants, is an important factor determining the impact of the reverse micellar environment on the chemistry.