Specific ion pairing and interfacial hydration as controlling factors in gemini micelle morphology. Chemical trapping studies

Results from chemical trapping experiments in micellar solutions containing 1.5-5 mM aqueous solutions of three didodecyl dicationic dibromide gemini surfactants with different methylene spacer lengths (12-n-12 2Br rwhere n= 2-4 CH2 groups) gave quantitative estimates of the molarities of interfacial bromide (Br-m) and water (H2Om), the fractions of free and paired headgroups and counterions, and the net headgroup charge. These results are one of the most detailed compositional studies of an association colloid interface to date. Brm increases and H2Om decreases as n decreases and the two cationic charges are closer together. The 12-2-12 2Br gemini (the only one of the three geminis known to form threadlike micelles) shows a marked increase in Br-m (from 2.3 to 3.6 M) and a decrease in H2Om (from 35 to 17 M) at the exceptionally low surfactant concentration in the vicinity of the previously reported sphere-to-rod transition or second cmc concentration. Rod formation occurs because of an increase in headgroup-counterion association and dehydration at the micelle surface that depend on both the free energies of hydration and specific ion interactions and surfactant and counterion concentrations. These and other recent chemical trapping results support a new model for the balance of forces controlling morphological transitions of association colloids. The hydrophobic effect drives the formation of headgroup-counterion pairs, which have a lower demand for water of hydration. Release of water permits tighter packing and formation of cylindrical aggregates.