Micellization Behavior of Conventional Cationic Surfactants within Glycerol-Based Deep Eutectic Solvent.

Area of Science:

• Colloid and Surface Science
• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Deep eutectic solvents (DES) offer unique properties for self-assembly.
• Cationic surfactants are key components in various colloidal systems.
• Understanding surfactant behavior in DES is crucial for developing new materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the aggregation behavior of cationic surfactants in an aqueous glycerol-based DES.
• To characterize the self-assembled nanostructures formed by these surfactants.
• To elucidate the intermolecular interactions governing micelle formation in DES.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of a glycerol-based DES using FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopy.
• Investigation of surfactant aggregation using surface tension, conductivity, fluorescence, and dynamic light scattering (DLS).
• Analysis of intermolecular interactions via FTIR, 1H NMR, and 2D NOESY spectroscopy.

Main Results:

• Cetyldimethylethanolammonium bromide (CDMEAB) and cetyltributylphosphonium bromide (CTBPB) form self-assembled nanostructures in the aqueous DES.
• Interfacial properties and thermodynamic parameters were determined, showing the influence of DES on surfactant aggregation.
• FTIR and NMR analyses confirmed hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions between surfactant head groups and DES components.

Conclusions:

• Cationic surfactants self-assemble into nanostructures within aqueous glycerol-based DES.
• The head groups of surfactants interact with DES via H-bonding and electrostatic forces, influencing micellar structure.
• Results provide insights into the colloidal behavior of DES-water mixtures, relevant for materials science applications.