Adsorption, Aggregation, and Application Properties of Green Pluronic Aliphatic Alcohol Ether Carboxylic Acids and Nonionic/Amphoteric Surfactants in Water

In the realm of colloid and interface science, new types of green surfactants, including anionic Pluronic alcohol ether carboxylate (AEC), branched alkyl glucoside (IG), and zwitterionic coconut oil amide propyl betaine (CAB), have been identified and merit further exploration. AEC, characterized by its inclusion of 5 EO and 3.5 PO units, was synthesized, and its behavior in aqueous solutions with IG and CAB was meticulously examined. Their performance in applications such as foam generation, wetting, and the dispersion and stabilization of graphene was also evaluated. At α_AE5P3C = 0.5, AE₅P₃C/CAB exhibited superior surface and interfacial properties compared to AE₅P₃C/IG. In these hybrid systems, the self-assembly of micelles is predominantly influenced by hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, and hydrophobic forces. Kinetic analysis further confirmed that the driving force for micelle formation in these hybrid systems is enthalpy, with the adsorption process involving a mixed diffusion-kinetic adsorption mechanism. AE₅P₃C/CAB demonstrated enhanced foaming ability, foam stability, and wetting properties compared to AE5P3C/IG. Intriguingly, the optimal dispersion and stabilization of graphene were achieved with AE₅P₃C/IG at α_AE5P3C = 0.2, providing a foundational basis for its potential application in graphene-based systems. A thorough examination of the synergistic mechanisms and application potential of these three distinct surfactants in aqueous solutions was presented, taking into account various charged ions and the specific hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups of EO and PO. This study not only provides fundamental insights into their intrinsic properties but also offers a fresh perspective for the ongoing exploration of green surfactants.