Surfactant-PolyElectrolyte Nanostructure Self -Assembly (SPENSA)
Abstract
The aim of the project is to study nanoscale self-assembly in two systems. Both use surfactant micelles as a template structure to hierarchically order polyelectrolytes on several length scales. In the first system, the polyelectrolyte forms from polymerizing inorganic monomers. These interact with surfactant micelles to form well-organised nanoscale channels containing micelles encapsulated in the inorganic material. This system not only self-assembles at the nanoscale but forms emergent structures such as thin films at the air/water interface. The second system involves interactions between branched polyelectrolytes with surfactants of the same charge. We have shown that such systems also produce a thin organized film at the solution surface. Theoretical methods will aid in understanding mechanisms of self-assembly for both systems. Results from the like-charged polyelectrolyte-surfactant system will help to understand the more complex inorganic-surfactant self-assembly. Such an understanding is important to optimise & control the structure of materials from these systems. We will use the nanoscale architecture of the silicate system to investigate the effects of confinement on single stranded DNA and on the renaturation reaction.
List of Partners
- Dr. Karen Edler (Project Leader)
University of Bath, United Kingdom - Dr. Jean-Louis Sikorav (Principal Investigator )
CEA S
