Interaction of anionic block copolymers with cationic surfactants and inorganic nanoparticles: structural and thermodynamic characterization

Abstract

This research project aims to study the electrostatic complexation in systems formed by cationic surfactants and anionic block polyelectrolytes using a recently proposed methodology by Svensson et al. (Svensson, A.; Pìculell, L.; Cabane, B.; Ilekti, P.; J. Phys, Chem. B 2002, 106, 1013) to prepare complex salts. These complex salts are formed by poly(acrylic acid)-block-poly(acrylamide) containing both symmetric and asymmetric neutral and anionic blocks and the cationic surfactants C16TAB (CTAB) e C12TAB (DTAB). The thermodynamics of the complex formation will be studied by Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC) and the complex structure will be elucidated by means of Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) measurements. The effect of added alcohols will be also investigated. Moreover, the thermodynamics involved in the complexation process between these polyelectrolytes and inorganic nanoparticles, including sub-10 nm cerium oxide nanoparticles will be studied as well as their structural characterization. In general, by comparing these results with previous investigations on similar systems performed by Berret and coworkers we aim at elucidating kinetic versus equilibrium states of these complex mixtures. In this context, this collaboration will allow the merging of current and complimentary expertise of the two proponent's research groups with potential results in expanding their capabilities in the fundamental theme of complexation and self-assembling of complex fluids. (AU)