How Does Nanostructure in Ionic Liquids and Hybrid Solvents Affect Surfactant Self-Assembly?

Ionic liquids (ILs) have recently emerged as novel classes of solvents that support surfactant self-assembly into micelles, liquid crystals, and microemulsions. Their low volatility and wide liquid stability ranges make them attractive for many diverse applications, especially in extreme environments. However, the number of possible ion combinations makes systematic investigations both challenging and rare; this is further amplified when mixtures are considered, whether with water or other H-bonding components such as those found in deep eutectics. In this Perspective we examine what factors determine amphiphilicity, solvophobicity and solvophilicity, in ILs and related exotic environments, in what ways these differ from water, and how the underlying nanostructure of the liquid itself affects the formation and structure of micelles and other self-assembled materials.

Automated summary

Ionic liquids (ILs) are novel solvents that can support surfactant self-assembly into micelles, liquid crystals, and microemulsions. Due to their low volatility and wide liquid stability ranges, ILs have diverse applications, especially in extreme environments. However, the investigation of ILs and their mixtures is challenging due to the large number of possible ion combinations. This Perspective examines the factors determining amphiphilicity, solvophobicity, and solvophilicity in ILs and related exotic environments, compares them with water, and explores how the nanostructure of the liquid affects the formation and structure of self-assembled materials.