We investigated the specific anion effects of potassium salts of various anions upon the interfacially templated crystal nucleation of K2SO4 at a liquid-liquid interface. It was found that the presence of several salts at low concentrations could induce changes in important crystallization characteristics, and that these changes depended greatly on the specific identity of the salt. Surfactants studied included cationic and neutral surfactants. Addition of 10 mM of salts results in a diminution in efficiency of the templating capability of CTAB monolayer, as evidenced by higher levels of supersaturation required for crystal formation. The ability of the anions to perturb these values varied in a manner consistent with a Hofmeister series. Interestingly, DODAB maintained its templating effectiveness regardless of the nature of the salt or concentration. These studies have provided significant insights into the understanding of the interaction of ordered surfactant arrays with salts.

Assessing role of specific anions in templated crystal nucleation at the liquid-liquid interface

244th National Meeting (2012)

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