Effect of transition metal salt additive on the structural packing and thermal stability of the non-aqueous lyotropic mesophases

Abstract

The present study demonstrates the interfacial interplay between transition metal salt (TMS) additive and range of non-aqueous lyotropic mesophases. Structural aspect reveals the substantial influence of the additive addition on the self-assembly and packing of micelles as intense growth of hexagonal planes was seen in the vicinity of the pre-existed lamellar mesophase (as the surfactant concentration loomed to the higher value in the parent binary mixture). Such structural modulations certainly resulted from reduction in optimal surface area of head group and packing parameter under the influence of interfacial interactions amid charged counter ions and metal salt additive. The origin and thermal stability of hexagonal ordering have been addressed and discussed.

Keywords:

• lyotropic liquid crystal
• non-aqueous mesophases
• structural properties
• transition metal salt
• hexagonal ordering

Acknowledgement

We acknowledge Department of Science and Technology (DST), India for the financial support. We also thank the reviewers for critical observations and comments.