Emulsions in porous media: From single droplet behavior to applications for oil recovery

Microemulsions are thermodynamically stable, transparent, isotropic single-phase mixtures of two immiscible liquids stabilized by surfactants (and possibly other compounds). The assortment of very different microstructures behind such a univocal macroscopic definition is presented together with the experimental approaches to their determination. This tutorial review includes a necessary overview of the microemulsion phase behavior including the effect of temperature and salinity and of the features of living polymerlike micelles and living networks. Once these key learning points have been acquired, the different theoretical models proposed to rationalize the microemulsion microstructures are reviewed. The focus is on the use of these models as a rationale for the formulation of microemulsions with suitable features. Finally, current achievements and challenges of the use of microemulsions are reviewed.

https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/10/9/1657/pdf

Microemulsion Microstructure(s): A Tutorial Review.

Self-assembly, phase behaviour and structural behaviour as observed by scattering for classical and non-classical microemulsions

An approach to natural insect repellent formulations: from basic research to technological development

Emulsions containing essential oils, their components or volatile semiochemicals as promising tools for insect pest and pathogen management.

Surfactants (or amphiphiles) are generally believed to be a necessary component of microemulsions. However, research has found that in the absence of traditional surfactants, microemulsions can also form in a ternary system of two immiscible fluids and an “amphi-solvent”. Such microemulsions are called “surfactant-free microemulsions” (SFMEs). The so-called amphi-solvent is a solvent that is completely or at least partially miscible with each of the two immiscible fluids. The structures and properties of SFMEs are similar to those of traditional surfactant-based microemulsions (SBMEs) to some extent. This review focuses on recent advances in SFMEs, including their phase behavior, structures, properties and potential applications.

Wanguo Hou

Papers

Surfactant-free microemulsions