Micelle formation in ethyl-ammonium nitrate (an ionic liquid)

The aim of this work is the study of micelle formation in a solvent other than water, the ethyl-ammonium nitrate (EAN) (an ionic liquid at room temperature). The study of micelle formation will provide us with a better understanding of the interactions between the solvent and carbon chains. The critical micelle concentrations (cmc) for four different alkyl-ammonium nitrates have been experimentally determined. The method used for the determination of the cmc is based on surface tension measurements. In addition, the effect of micelle formation on molar partial volumes was checked. No volume augmentation was found in ethyl-ammonium nitrate. A theoretical model for the chemical potential of surfactants in ethyl-ammonium nitrate has also been proposed. This model served to explain the experimental results which were obtained.