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Spontaneous Emulsification: Elucidation of the Local Processes
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|November 13, 2023
Summary
This study reveals spontaneous emulsification involves localized surfactant and water transfer, leading to emulsion inversion. Additives can halt this process by inhibiting transfer.
Area of Science:
- Physical Chemistry
- Colloid Science
- Interfacial Phenomena
Background:
- Spontaneous emulsification mechanisms remain unclear despite thermodynamic studies.
- Understanding local processes is crucial for controlling emulsion formation and inversion.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate local processes of surfactant and water transfer in spontaneous emulsification.
- Elucidate the mechanism of water-in-oil to oil-in-water emulsion inversion.
Main Methods:
- Ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy.
- Nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations.
- Analysis of emulsion droplet diffusion and component concentration fluctuations.
Main Results:
- Observed localized transfer of surfactants and water from aqueous to oil phases.
- Emulsion inversion occurs abruptly upon crossing the phase boundary, potentially involving explosions and fragment assembly.
- Fast diffusion of emulsion droplets and interfacial concentration fluctuations were noted.
Conclusions:
- Spontaneous emulsification is driven by localized interfacial transport and phase boundary dynamics.
- Mixed solvents amplify emulsification, while specific additives can arrest the process.
- Findings provide insights into controlling emulsion stability and formation.
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