Some aspects on the hydration of surfactant micelles

Abstract

A review of the hydration properties of surfactant micelles is presented. Water self-diffusion studies are foundto give global hydration numbers corresponding approximately to the hydration of the counterions and the polar head-groups. The hydration numbers are inconsistent with water penetration into micelles and other arguments against such an effect are discussed as well. Furthermore, the hydration of counterions and the effect of solubilization on hydration are discussed. Sodium cholate differs considerably in its self-association behaviour from micelle-forming amphiphiles and this is found to apply also for the hydration characteristics.