An observation of the coexistence of multimers and micelles in a nonionic surfactant C10E4 solution by dynamic light scattering
Journal
Journal of the Chinese Institute of Chemical Engineers
Journal Volume
39
Journal Issue
1
Pages
75-83
Date Issued
2008
Author(s)
Abstract
The bulk phase of nonionic surfactant C10E4 solution was monitored by a dynamic light scattering (DLS) system at 20 °C in a narrow range of concentration near the cmc. Two particle aggregations were observed. The DLS data show (i) there exist premicellar multimers (or called submicelles) and (ii) micelles coexist with multimers. The C10E4 sub-micelles have a narrow size distribution with an averaged hydrodynamic diameter (Dh) of 1.35 nm. The Dh of the micelles is around 10.5 nm at 1.0 × 10-6 mol/mL and increases slightly with C10E4 concentration. It is illustrated from the DLS data that (i) at C = 0.78-0.82 μmol/mL, monomers and premicellar multimers coexist and (ii) at C = 0.84-0.92 μmol/mL, monomers + submicellar multimers + micelles coexist. At more elevated concentrations, only the signals from the micelles are detected by DLS. © 2007 Taiwan Institute of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
SDGs
Type
journal article