Towards the understanding of metal-micellar frameworks (MMFs)

New nematic gels are obtained by inter-micellar crosslinking of prolate or oblate micelles with carboxylic acid head-groups. The structure of repulsive discs with adjustable spacing is capable of trapping large air bubbles, particles, and potentially emulsion droplets. The latter is particularly interesting, as it would be a new strategy for encapsulating large amounts of “active” components, while at the same time providing good biodegradability and simple release of encapsulated material by dilution. To achieve coexistence of emulsion droplets and the nematic phase, i.e., to avoid the formation of a classical microemulsion, we need a deeper understanding of the nanostructural features of the system and the effects of added solutes, utilizing time resolved SAXS/WAXS with temperature control.