Ionic liquids as amphiphile self-assembly media

In recent years, the number of non-aqueous solvents which mediate hydrocarbon-solvent interactions and promote the self-assembly of amphiphiles has been markedly increased by the reporting of over 30 ionic liquids which possess this previously unusual solvent characteristic. This new situation allows a di. erent exploration of the molecular `` solvophobic e. ect'' and tests the current understanding of amphiphile self- assembly. Interestingly, both protic and aprotic ionic liquids support amphiphile self- assembly, indicating that it is not required for the solvents to be able to form a hydrogen bonded network. Here, the use of ionic liquids as amphiphile selfassembly media is reviewed, including micelle and liquid crystalline mesophase formation, their use as a solvent phase in microemulsions and emulsions, and the emerging. eld of nanostructured inorganic materials synthesis. Surfactants, lipids and block co- polymers are the focus amphiphile classes in this critical review (174 references).