The Micellization and Clouding of Nonionic Surfactant, Poly(Ethylene Glycol) t-Octylphenyl Ether (Triton X-100): Effect of Halide Ions of (Sodium Salt) Electrolytes

In this investigation, the micellization and the clouding phenomena of a nonionic surfactant, poly(ethylene glycol) t-octylphenyl ether (Triton X-100) in the absence and presence of halide ions (sodium salt) electrolytes has been reported. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of Triton X-100 (in the absence and presence of electrolytes) was measured by surface tension measurements. A decreasing trend of CMC was found with increasing the temperature as well as the concentration of electrolyte. The effectiveness of the halide ions was found in the order: F⁻ > Cl⁻ > Br⁻ > I⁻. The surface properties of Triton X-100 were evaluated. The thermodynamic parameters of the micellar systems of Triton X-100 were evaluated and from these thermodynamics data, it was found that in the presence of electrolyte the stability of the micellar system is more. The cloud points (CPs) of Triton X-100 were also measured in the absence and presence of halide ions of electrolytes. With the addition of halide ions of sodium salt (electrolyte), a decrease in CP values was observed and the order was found to be: F⁻ > Cl⁻ > Br⁻ > I⁻.