Reverse micelle and microemulsion phases in supercritical fluids

Journal Article · Thu May 19 04:00:00 EDT 1988 · J. Phys. Chem.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/j100321a039· OSTI ID:6668079

Fulton, J L; Smith, R D

The surfactant sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate (AOT) was used to form reverse micelle and microemulsion phases in supercritical ethane and propane for systems consisting of 80-100% alkane by weight. Phase diagrams obtained from view cell studies of microemulsion phases formed in supercritical fluids are reported and shown to be strongly dependent on pressure. The properties of these solutions were also characterized by conductivity, density, and surfactant solubility measurements. The solubility of AOT in ethane and propane over a range of pressures shows behavior typical of solids in supercritical fluids. The maximum water-to-surfactant ratio (W/sub 0/) increased dramatically in both ethane and propane systems as pressure was increased. At 300 bar and 103/sup 0/C, the supercritical propane-surfactant system is capable of solubilizing much more water (W/sub 0/ = 12) than the supercritical ethane-surfactant system (W/sub 0/ = 4) at 300 bar and 37/sup 0/C. Some of the important thermodynamic contributions that are likely responsible for this pressure-dependent phase behavior are discussed, and potential applications of this new class of solvents are considered.

• Research Organization: Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC06-76RL01830
• OSTI ID: 6668079
• Journal Information: J. Phys. Chem.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Phys. Chem.; (United States) Vol. 92:10; ISSN JPCHA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
400201* -- Chemical & Physicochemical Properties
ALKANES
DATA
DENSITY
DIAGRAMS
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
ETHANE
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
HYDROCARBONS
INFORMATION
MICELLAR SYSTEMS
NUMERICAL DATA
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PHASE DIAGRAMS
PHASE STUDIES
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
PROPANE
SUPERCRITICAL STATE