Micelle My Belle: Rice University Researchers Achieve Chemical Reaction Breakthrough using Water Alternative to Solvents
A team of researchers at Rice University has developed a method for performing chemical reactions using water as compared to toxic solvents.
The scientists, led by Rice professor and chair of chemistry Angel Martí, say they have created microscopic reactors capable of leading light-powered chemical processes by designing metal complex surfactants (MeCSs) self-assembling into nanoscale spheres called micelles. The innovation is expected to reduce pollution in industries like pharmaceuticals and materials science, which make use of organic solvents.
The self-assembled micelles are formed in water, where their hydrophobic cores provide a suitable environment for reactions, even with materials that are insoluble in water. The research team demonstrated that the system is anticipated to perform photocatalytic reactions while eliminating the need for hazardous substances.
“Our findings show how powerful molecular design can be in tackling chemical sustainability challenges while maintaining high chemical performance,” said Angel Martí. “We’ve created a tool that could transform how chemical reactions are performed, reducing environmental harm while increasing efficiency.”
When added to water, surfactants naturally form micelles or tiny spheres and the water-avoiding parts are collected in the center to form a small reaction space. To make MeCSs, the scientists modified these surfactants by adding a light-sensitive metal complex to their structure.
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The researchers tested different versions of the MeCSs by changing the length of their hydrophobic, or water-repelling, tails. They found that the molecules are capable of forming micelles of 5-6 nanometers, smaller than those in similar systems. The team used these micelles to perform a photocatalytic reaction and achieved good results without any harmful solvents.
“These micelles act like tiny reaction vessels,” said Ying Chen, first author of this study and a doctoral student in chemistry at Rice. “They enable chemical transformations that wouldn’t normally work in water while being more sustainable than traditional methods.”
The development of photoactive water-based micelles offers a potentially safer, greener alternative. The system can also be reused to improve its cost-effectiveness and environmental footprint.
