Adsorption,\nAggregation, and Application Properties\nof Green Pluronic Aliphatic Alcohol Ether Carboxylic Acids and Nonionic/Amphoteric\nSurfactants in Water

In the realm of colloid and interface science, new types\nof green\nsurfactants, including anionic Pluronic alcohol ether carboxylate\n(AEC), branched alkyl glucoside (IG), and zwitterionic coconut oil\namide propyl betaine (CAB), have been identified and merit further\nexploration. AEC, characterized by its inclusion of 5 EO and 3.5 PO\nunits, was synthesized, and its behavior in aqueous solutions with\nIG and CAB was meticulously examined. Their performance in applications\nsuch as foam generation, wetting, and the dispersion and stabilization\nof graphene was also evaluated. At α<sub>AE5P3C</sub> = 0.5,\nAE<sub>5</sub>P<sub>3</sub>C/CAB exhibited superior surface and interfacial\nproperties compared to AE<sub>5</sub>P<sub>3</sub>C/IG. In these hybrid\nsystems, the self-assembly of micelles is predominantly influenced\nby hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interactions, and hydrophobic forces.\nKinetic analysis further confirmed that the driving force for micelle\nformation in these hybrid systems is enthalpy, with the adsorption\nprocess involving a mixed diffusion-kinetic adsorption mechanism.\nAE<sub>5</sub>P<sub>3</sub>C/CAB demonstrated enhanced foaming ability,\nfoam stability, and wetting properties compared to AE5P3C/IG. Intriguingly,\nthe optimal dispersion and stabilization of graphene were achieved\nwith AE<sub>5</sub>P<sub>3</sub>C/IG at α<sub>AE5P3C</sub> =\n0.2, providing a foundational basis for its potential application\nin graphene-based systems. A thorough examination of the synergistic\nmechanisms and application potential of these three distinct surfactants\nin aqueous solutions was presented, taking into account various charged\nions and the specific hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups of EO and\nPO. This study not only provides fundamental insights into their intrinsic\nproperties but also offers a fresh perspective for the ongoing exploration\nof green surfactants.