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Ion‐Responsive Behavior of Ionic‐Liquid Surfactant Aggregates with Applications in Controlled Release and Emulsification
Author(s) -
Shen Yanfei,
Zhang Yuanjian,
Kuehner Daniel,
Yang Guifu,
Yuan Fuyu,
Niu Li
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
chemphyschem
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.016
H-Index - 140
eISSN - 1439-7641
pISSN - 1439-4235
DOI - 10.1002/cphc.200800449
Subject(s) - micelle , pulmonary surfactant , amphiphile , ionic liquid , chemistry , ion , chemical engineering , ionic bonding , ion exchange , counterion , salt (chemistry) , nanotechnology , organic chemistry , aqueous solution , materials science , catalysis , polymer , copolymer , biochemistry , engineering
We propose a simple but efficient, rapid, and quantitative ion‐responsive micelle system based on counter‐anion exchange of a surfactant with an imidazolium unit. The ion‐exchange reaction results in the amphiphilic‐to‐hydrophobic transition of the imidazolium salt, leading to the destruction of the micelles, which has been successfully applied to controlled release and emulsification. The proposed design offers a novel alternative stimulus to control these smart physical aggregates besides pH, temperature and light—with extra advantages. Our finding greatly benefits both fundamental research and industry.