Self aggregation and solution behavior of copper and nickel based surfactants

Introduction of new functionalities into the structure of amphiphilic molecules has always been the focus of widespread interest. An attempt has been made to study the self aggregation properties of surface active complexes involving hydrophilic transition metal (viz., nickel and copper) in the head group, and hydrophobic alkylammonium tail. The systems have been characterized by spectroscopic, thermal and physicochemical techniques, to gain an insight into the inter relationship between the structure, and surfactant properties. The two surfactants synthesized have similar tails; however, the different transition metal ions show a significant effect on the colloidal behavior. The cmc values of the metal surfactant complexes have been estimated using cyclic voltammetry, conductivity, surface tension, ultrasonic speed and density measurements. Thermogravimetric analysis and physicochemical studies certify that a minute change in the structure leads to a significant change in the properties of these surfactants.