Perturbation mechanism and phase transition of AOT aggregates in the Fe(II)[batho(SO3)2]3 – catalyzed aqueous Belousov–Zhabotinsky reaction

Surfactant AOT (sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate) was introduced up to 200 mmol L−1 in the aqueous Belousov–Zhabotinsky (BZ) medium. Both the induction period (IP) and the oscillation period (τ) of the BZ waves decreased significantly, whereas the wave velocity (v) increased with the concentration of AOT. These tendencies were explained in terms of the perturbations to the FKN mechanism through the uptake of Br2 and BrO 2 · into the hydrophobic core of AOT aggregates. In addition, the structures and the phase transition of AOT aggregates were suggested based on the measurement of surface tension and the correlation analysis of the IP, τ and v values.