An investigation of nano-structure and morphology of cationic ester containing gemini surfactants in mixed solvent systems by electrochemical measurements

Gemini surfactants are characterized by two hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups that arelinked by the spacer. The main reason for such an interest toward these novel surfactants istheir higher surface activity and much lower critical micelle concentrations (CMC) than thoseof conventional monomeric surfactants. The aim of the present work is studying the effect ofethylene glycol (EG) and ester bond position on size and morphology of ester-containingcationic gemini surfactants, esterquat and betainate geminis in the absence and presence ofKCl. The interfacial, structural properties and aggregation behavior have been studied usingtensiometry, dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), andcyclic voltammetry techniques at room temperature. The critical micelle concentration(CMC) , surface excess (