Construction of Low-Energy Prepared Highly Stable Surfactant Emulsion by Optimizing Composition Configuration

Emulsion systems that are independent of preparation conditions and time are ideal models for fundamental emulsion research. However, special strategies are required to form these emulsions, particularly with commonly used oils and emulsifiers that have proven to be more difficult. In this study, an efficient approach to preparing a low-energy emulsion with outstanding stability is reported. This approach is derived from a comprehensive study of the component composition in the residual emulsified fractions in water-separation emulsions. The outstandingly stable emulsion exhibits a highly stacked droplet structure, which can restrict the droplet movement within the disperse medium, accompanied by a stable oil-water interface layer, which can hinder the molecular exchange between droplets and resist droplet destruction under extreme conditions, thereby preventing the demulsification caused by sedimentation, coalescence, and Ostwald ripening. These peculiarities enable the emulsion to remain stable over long periods and at elevated temperatures, even exhibiting a spontaneous tendency to recover to the emulsion after centrifugal phase splitting. This approach lends itself to generalization in the context of multiple surfactants or oil phases, thus establishing a foundation for the study of various emulsifiers and functional emulsions. Moreover, the low-energy-input preparation can reduce energy consumption in the emulsion production, aligning with the principles of green development.