Investigating the kinetics of dye-induced micellization of the cationic surfactant DTAB below its cmc with time-resolved SAXS

In the proposed experiment, we will investigate dye/surfactant co-assembly below the critical micelle concentration (cmc) of pure surfactant. This is done by stopped-flow mixing a solution of the anionic azo dye “Blue” with a molecular solution of the surfactant dodecyltrimethylammoniumbromide (DTAB). The evolution of aggregate morphology will be followed with time-resolved small-angle X-Ray scattering (SAXS) at ID02. This experiment will elucidate the kinetics of solute-induced micelle formation. The outcome will contribute to a better understanding of the formation of mixed aggregates of surfactant and soluble organic molecules, which could further assist the development of new products and methods in many areas such as e.g. waste water-treatment. This proposal is part of the InnovaXN PhD-project between KAO and the University of Paderborn.