Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026

Microtensiometer for Confocal Microscopy Visualization of Dynamic Interfaces
Published on: September 9, 2022
Comparison between two anionic reverse micelle interfaces: the role of water-surfactant interactions in interfacial
Silvina S Quintana1, R Dario Falcone, Juana J Silber
1Departamento de Química, Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto, Agencia Postal #3, (X5804ALH) Río Cuarto, Argentina.
Abstract:
The water/sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (NaDEHP) reverse micelle (RM) system is revisited by using, for the first time, molecular probes to investigate interface properties. The solvatochromic behavior of 1-methyl-8-oxyquinolinium betaine (QB) and 6-propionyl-2-(N,N-dimethyl)aminonaphthalene (PRODAN) in the water/NaDEHP/toluene system is studied, and the results are compared with those obtained in water/sodium 1,4-bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT)/toluene RM media. The results demonstrate that the micropolarity, microviscosity, interfacial water structure, molecular probe partition, and intramolecular electron-transfer processes are dramatically altered for NaDEHP RM interfaces in comparison to the AOT systems. Because of organic nonpolar solvent penetration into the interface, NaDEHP RM media offer an interface with lower micropolarity and microviscosity than AOT media. Also, the interfacial water in the NaDEHP system shows enhanced water-water hydrogen-bond interaction in comparison with bulk water. The AOT RM interface represents a unique environment for PRODAN to undergo dual emission.
Related Concept Videos
Micelles
Surface Active Agents
Intermolecular Forces
Colloids
Comparing Intermolecular Forces: Melting Point, Boiling Point, and Miscibility
Temporary attractive forces like dispersion are present in all molecules, whether they are polar or nonpolar. They...
Detergent Purification of Membrane Proteins

