Innovative approaches to cationic and anionic (catanionic) amphiphiles self-assemblies: Synthesis, properties, and...

Area of Science:

• Colloid and Surface Science
• Supramolecular Chemistry
• Materials Science

Background:

• Growing demand for functional, biocompatible, and environmentally friendly self-assembled structures.
• Colloids research surge driven by need for efficient, cost-effective, and energy-saving methods.
• Cationic and anionic (catanionic) surfactant combinations show promise due to synergistic properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of catanionic self-assemblies.
• To distinguish between high-salt catanionic mixtures and salt-free ion-pair amphiphiles.
• To explore synthesis, properties, responsiveness, and applications of catanionic self-assemblies.

Main Methods:

• Review of diverse synthesis techniques for catanionic self-assemblies.
• Emphasis on the roles of solvents, salts, and pH conditions in formation.
• Exploration of experimental and theoretical aspects, including multi-responsive systems.

Main Results:

• Catanionic self-assemblies exhibit high stability, adjustable surface charge, and low critical aggregation concentration.
• Discussion of non-equimolar and equimolar mixing leading to distinct structures.
• Investigation into multi-responsive systems utilizing light, pH, temperature, and redox stimuli.

Conclusions:

• Catanionic self-assemblies are promising for industrial applications due to their tunable properties.
• Challenges such as precipitation and stability are identified, alongside knowledge gaps.
• The review offers insights into the evolution and potential of catanionic self-assembly technology.