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

Nikos Tasios, Sela Samin, Rene van Roij, Marjolein Dijkstra

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

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.
Original languageEnglish
Article number218001
JournalPhysical Review Letters
Volume119
Issue number21
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 21 Nov 2017

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