Surfactant Micelles as Catalysts: Kinetic Modelling and Key Models

Abstract

Surfactant molecules possess both hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties, featuring a hydrophilic head and a hydrophobic tail. When surfactants reach a critical micellar concentration, they assemble into stable molecular aggregates called micelles. These micelles serve as effective catalysts for a range of chemical reactions. To elucidate and make sense of experimental data related to micelle-catalyzed reactions, researchers often employ kinetic modeling as a valuable tool. Several kinetic models have been introduced to describe the reaction rates within micellar environments. In this discussion, we will provide a concise overview of four widely utilized models: The Berezin model, the pseudophase model, the ion exchange model, and the Piskiewicz model.