Small-angle Neutron Scattering Study of Micelle Structure and Hydration Behavior of Oleic Acid-based Gemini Surfactant.

Herein, we characterized the micelle structure and hydration behavior of oleic acid-based gemini surfactants by small-angle neutron scattering. A larger counterion size (Li⁺ < Na⁺ < K⁺ < Cs⁺) resulted in decreased aggregation number (Nagg) of micelles and increased number of water molecules incorporated within the micelle (Nwater). We suggested that the incorporated water molecules prevent the formation of lower positivecurvature aggregates such as hexagonal liquid crystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]