title: Colloidal assemblies of branched geminis studied by cryo-etch-HRSEM. High-resolution scanning electron microscopy.
abstract: Cryo-etch-HRSEM is introduced as a useful method for exploring colloidal systems. The method fast freezes an aqueous sample (to -105 degrees C in 6-7 ms), removes some or all of the surface water by sublimation (etching), and magnifies the resulting colloidal structure by up to a million. Three new structurally similar gemini surfactants served to illustrate the technique. One gemini formed a gel whose delicate fractal-like molecular web could be observed after 10-min etching. A second formed a coacervate with a more hydrated porous structure. The third displayed a "bumpy" surface consistent with spherical vesicles projecting from the vitreous ice. The information-content of cryo-etch-HRSEM is pictorial but distinctive in nature.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA. menger@emory.edu
authors.forename: Fredric M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: Menger
authors.forename: Victor A
authors.initials: VA
authors.lastname: Seredyuk
authors.forename: Robert P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Apkarian
authors.forename: Elizabeth R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Wright
mesh_terms: D008823:Micelles; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning / Q000379:methods; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D008823:Micelles; D013501:Surface-Active Agents