Insights into the Characterization of the Self-Assembly of Different Types of Amphiphilic Molecules Using Dynamic Light Scattering
Aicha Kadiri, Teffaha Fergoug, Khaled O. Sebakhy, Y. Bouhadda, Rachida Aribi, Fatima Yssaad, Zineeddine Daikh, Mustapha El Hariri El Nokab, Paul Van Steenberge
Abstract
High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide The self-assembly of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, sodium dodecylsulfate, Triton X-100, and sulfobetaine surfactants in aqueous solutions was examined by dynamic light scattering, both in the presence and absence of 0.1 M NaCl salt, across various temperatures. For each surfactant, critical parameters, such as concentration and phase transition temperatures, of micelles were determined by monitoring changes in the hydrodynamic diameter with concentration and temperature. Additionally, we explored the self-assembly behavior of these surfactants when they are introduced alongside polystyrene nanoparticles. Our findings enabled the elucidation of surfactant molecule adsorption mechanisms onto polystyrene nanoparticle surfaces. Furthermore, by analyzing variations in the z -average diameter and zeta potential, we were able to establish the Krafft point, a parameter that remains imperceptible when polystyrene nanoparticles are absent from the solution.