Self-Assembly at Oil–Water Interfaces Driven by Solubility Differences and Polar–Hydrophobic Interactions: An Insight into a Highly Mechanical Performance Gel with Gradients DOI
Ruoxin Zhang, Hongsheng Lu,

Lingyan Wei

et al.

Langmuir, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 17, 2025

Interfacial self-assembly offers a promising route to fabricate functional materials, yet achieving robust mechanical performance remains challenging. Here, the of nonionic surfactant polyoxyethylene monoalkyl ether (AEO-9) at oil-water interfaces was systematically investigated form high-strength interfacial gel. During process, strength gel progressively increased, reaching maximum equilibrium value 4200 Pa after 24 h. Furthermore, significant gradients in composition, microstructure, and micromechanical properties along sample height were revealed by fluorescence microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), atomic force microscopy (AFM). This unique behavior further studied via dynamic light molecular simulations. The solubility differences polar-hydrophobic interactions are key factors. Directional migration AEO-9 from oil phase (low solubility) aqueous (high solubility), driven differences, found establish transient concentration gradient. gradient facilitated enrichment AEO-9, which subsequently organized into lamellar liquid crystals (LC) through compositional heterogeneity interactions. variations correlated with structural packing. Moreover, effects concentration, brine, temperature, type on gel's examined, highlighting their roles modulating balance. study reveals dual control solubility-driven formation, establishing framework for design high-performance materials.

Language: Английский

Self-Assembly at Oil–Water Interfaces Driven by Solubility Differences and Polar–Hydrophobic Interactions: An Insight into a Highly Mechanical Performance Gel with Gradients DOI
Ruoxin Zhang, Hongsheng Lu,

Lingyan Wei

et al.

Langmuir, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: April 17, 2025

Interfacial self-assembly offers a promising route to fabricate functional materials, yet achieving robust mechanical performance remains challenging. Here, the of nonionic surfactant polyoxyethylene monoalkyl ether (AEO-9) at oil-water interfaces was systematically investigated form high-strength interfacial gel. During process, strength gel progressively increased, reaching maximum equilibrium value 4200 Pa after 24 h. Furthermore, significant gradients in composition, microstructure, and micromechanical properties along sample height were revealed by fluorescence microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), atomic force microscopy (AFM). This unique behavior further studied via dynamic light molecular simulations. The solubility differences polar-hydrophobic interactions are key factors. Directional migration AEO-9 from oil phase (low solubility) aqueous (high solubility), driven differences, found establish transient concentration gradient. gradient facilitated enrichment AEO-9, which subsequently organized into lamellar liquid crystals (LC) through compositional heterogeneity interactions. variations correlated with structural packing. Moreover, effects concentration, brine, temperature, type on gel's examined, highlighting their roles modulating balance. study reveals dual control solubility-driven formation, establishing framework for design high-performance materials.

Language: Английский

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