Ionic liquid-induced changes in the properties of aqueous sodium dodecyl sulfate solution: effect of acidic/basic functional groups

The effects of ionic liquids 1-(2-aminoethyl)-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([MimAE]Cl), 1-carboxylmethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([MimCM]Cl), 1-(2-hydroxylethyl)-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([MimHE]Cl), and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([Emim]Cl) on the physicochemical properties of aqueous sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solutions were studied. Compared with [Emim]Cl, the presence of amino group can further facilitate the micellization of SDS, while the opposite result is observed as carboxyl group is imparted. No obvious changes in critical micelle concentration (CMC) and \( {\gamma_{\mathrm{CMC}}} \) values are induced by the neutral hydroxyl group. Only the addition of [MimAE]Cl drastically increases the micellar size. Significant decrease in CMC and increase in micellar size were observed with decreasing pH of [MimAE]Cl solution. The increase in pH of [MimCM]Cl solution results in a slight increase in CMC and decrease in micellar size. ¹H NMR spectra revealed the amino groups are adsorbed at the micellar surface, while the carboxyl groups/carboxylate ions and hydroxyl groups tend to point towards bulk water.