Spatial heterogeneity in a lyotropic liquid crystal with hexagonal phase

Abstract

Non-ionic surfactant hexaethylene glycol, C₁₂E₆, in water self-assembles into various kinds of mesophases by varying the surfactant concentration. A spatial heterogeneity was discussed on the basis of the diffusion of probe particles dispersed in the C₁₂E₆–water solution. Interestingly, at 50 wt% C₁₂E₆ where the hexagonal structure was formed, two kinds of motion of probe particles were observed: some particles normally diffused while others were restricted, indicating the existence of a heterogeneity in the physical properties. Such heterogeneity can be explained in terms of heterogeneous structures composed of hexagonal domains with isotropic-like regions.