Non-ionic surfactant self-assembling promoted by different dyes in aqueous media

The interactions of a non-ionic surfactant with anionic and cationic dyes in aqueous solution have been investigated in pre-micellar and micellar regions using spectrophotometric method. The critical micellar concentration value of the surfactant was increased by the addition of Rhodamine B. The surfactant interacted with the anionic dye and the corresponding equilibrium constant and partition coefficient have been calculated. In the case of the anionic dye, a more stable complex was formed, due to the hydrated ethylene oxide head groups of the surfactant, which are acting as positive charged groups. This investigation is important for water pollution abatement using microemulsion systems.