The Micellization and Clouding Phenomena of a Nonionic Surfactant, Poly(ethylene glycol) t-octylphenyl ether (Triton X-100): Effect of (Chloride Salt) Electrolytes

Abstract

Herein, we report the micellization and the clouding of a nonionic surfactant, poly(ethylene glycol) t-octylphenyl ether (Triton X-100), in aqueous solutions in the absence and presence of (chloride salt) electrolytes. In the absence and presence of electrolytes, the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of Triton X-100 was measured by surface tension measurements. Upon increasing the temperature as well as the concentration of electrolytes, the CMCs decreased. The surface properties and the thermodynamic parameters of the micellar systems were evaluated. From these evaluated thermodynamic parameters, it was found that in the presence of an electrolyte, the stability of the micellar system is high. The cloud points (CPs) of Triton X-100 were also measured in the absence and presence of metallic ions of electrolytes. Upon the addition of metallic ions of chloride salts (electrolytes), the decrease in CP values was observed and the order was found to be: K⁺ > Na⁺ > Li⁺ > NH⁺₄.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Keywords:

• Cloud point
• electrolytes
• micellization
• thermodynamics
• Triton X-100