Models of Gemini Surfactants

Gemini surfactants are composed of two monomeric surfactant molecules linked by a spacer chain. They constitute a new class of amphiphilic molecules having its own distinct behavior. Since their first systematic studies over a decade ago, gemini surfactants have been the subject of intensive research (see Ref. 1 and references therein). Research has been motivated by the advantages of gemini surfactants over regular ones with respect to various applications [e.g., their increased surface activity, lower critical micelle concentration (cmc), and useful viscoelastic properties such as effective thickening].