Microphase Separation in Oil-Water Mixtures Containing Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Ions

Nikos Tasios, Sela Samin, René van Roij, and Marjolein Dijkstra
Phys. Rev. Lett. 119, 218001 – Published 21 November 2017
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Abstract

We develop a lattice-based Monte Carlo simulation method for charged mixtures capable of treating dielectric heterogeneities. Using this method, we study oil-water mixtures containing an antagonistic salt, with hydrophilic cations and hydrophobic anions. Our simulations reveal several phases with a spatially modulated solvent composition, in which the ions partition between water-rich and water-poor regions according to their affinity. In addition to the recently observed lamellar phase, we find tubular and droplet phases, reminiscent of those found in block copolymers and surfactant systems. Interestingly, these structures stem from ion-mediated interactions, which allows for tuning of the phase behavior via the concentrations, the ionic properties, and the temperature.

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  • Received 25 August 2017

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.119.218001

© 2017 American Physical Society

Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

  1. Research Areas
  1. Physical Systems
  1. Techniques
Polymers & Soft MatterStatistical Physics & Thermodynamics

Authors & Affiliations

Nikos Tasios1, Sela Samin2, René van Roij2, and Marjolein Dijkstra1,*

  • 1Soft Condensed Matter, Debye Institute for Nanomaterials Science, Utrecht University, Princetonplein 1, 3584 CC Utrecht, Netherlands
  • 2Institute for Theoretical Physics, Center for Extreme Matter and Emergent Phenomena, Utrecht University, Princetonplein 5, 3584 CC Utrecht, Netherlands

  • *m.dijkstra@uu.nl

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Issue

Vol. 119, Iss. 21 — 24 November 2017

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