Extractant mediated nano-aggregate formation in Triton X-114 aided cloud formation: structural insights from TEM and SANS studies

Abstract

Nanoaggregate formation by self assembly was noticed during the cloud formation of Triton X-114 ((1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenyl-polyethylene glycol) in the presence of dibenzoylmethane (DBM), thenoyltrifluoroacetone (HTTA) and 1-phenyl-3-methyl-4-benzoyl-5-pyrazolone (PMBP) and tributyl phosphate (TBP). Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) measurements showed that the nature of the extractant influences the clouding behaviour of Triton X-114 and the formation of vesicles of different orientations. SANS studies suggested that the majority of Triton X 114 participated in the cloud formation process. Viscosity measurements at different temperatures were used to calculate the activation energy for viscous flow.