Smart foams based on dual stimuli-responsive surfactant

Smart foams were fabricated by using a novel switchable surfactant, AZO-B4, which contains tertiary amine and azobenzene groups corresponding to CO2/N-2 and photo stimuli. The foamability and foam stability of AZO-B4 is similar as cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). On the one hand, the foam is reversible response to CO2/N-2. On the other hand, the foam can be reversible triggered by UV irradiation. All the foaming/defoaming can be performed at room temperature. The multi-stimuli responsive systems can fine wide application in industries where stabilization and destabilization of foams are both desired. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.