Hydration of bromide at reverse micelle interfaces studied by X-ray absorption fine structure

Nanoconfined water exhibits various interesting properties, which are not only of fundamental importance but also practical use. Because reverse micelles (RMs) provide versatile ways to prepare nanoconfined water, the understanding their physicochemical properties is essential for developing efficient applications. Although in RMs could be affected by its interaction with RM interface, details have been well understood. This study focuses on local structures Br− hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HTAB) formed chloroform and 10% hexanol/heptane. The dependence hydration molar ratio HTAB (w) investigated using X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS). These systems cover a wide range w values (0–30) allow us impact this parameter at comprises surfactant headgroups, organic solvent components. presence multiple scattering paths complicates XAFS spectra makes it difficult analyze them standard fitting methods. linear combination corresponding individual captures molecular processes that occur interface upon increasing w. maximum number found 4.5 > 15, suggesting although most ions remain as partly hydrated ions, some dissociate completely ones.