A large portion of analytical and physical chemistry relies on characterizing the structure and dynamics of different chemical systems and how they interact. A variety of analytical techniques can be used in combination with an experienced physical chemist to discern if the proposed theoretical structure and dynamics of a system are in fact correct. This work focuses on the structure and dynamics of reverse micelles formed in the solid state at room temperature from a surfactant material (dioctyl sulfosuccinate sodium salt, "AOT") and water in a relatively large amount of non-polar solvent (heavy alkanes). The water becomes confined to nanometer sized reverse micelle as the surfactant material spherically aggregates in the non-polar medium. By studying the system in the solid state, enigmatic solution dynamics are reduced to a minimum. Characterization of solid state heavy alkane reverse micelles is achieved by sodium nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and small angle x-ray scattering. These methods allow for the determination of the size and shape of the reverse micelles as well as the dynamics of the sodium counter ions and the encapsulated water pool. This project provides valuable insight into previously uninvestigated chemical systems while providing research opportunities for undergraduates interested in physical and analytical chemistry.

Characterization of the structure and dynamics of AOT reverse micelles in heavy alkanes

253rd National Meeting (2017)

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