Increasing the solubility enhancement of anionic DOWFAX surfactants
- Univ. of Oklahoma, Norman, OK (United States)
Previous research has demonstrated the robust nature of DOWFAX surfactants for enhanced subsurface remediation. However, these surfactants are not as effective as others in enhancing contaminant solubility. A series of experiments evaluated various methods of increasing the solubility enhancement of the DOWFAX components (i.e., using a cosurfactant, adding an electrolyte, and forming middle-phase microemulsions). Results demonstrate that while increasing the alkyl chain produced slight increases in contaminant solubility, middle-phase microemulsions produced the greatest enhancements. Middle-phase microemulsions were produced using an electrolyte, isobutanol, a cosurfactant, and one of the DOWFAX components. Middle-phase microemulsions increased contaminant solubilities by one to two orders of magnitude over DOWFAX surfactants alone, and by three to four orders of magnitude relative to water. Thus, DOWFAX-based microemulsion systems have the potential to significantly enhance contaminant solubility and expedite environmental remediation.
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- OSTI ID:
- 293022
- Journal Information:
- Separation Science and Technology, Journal Name: Separation Science and Technology Journal Issue: 15 Vol. 33; ISSN 0149-6395; ISSN SSTEDS
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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