Exploring the localization and impact of nanoconfined alcohols in the AOT reverse micelle model system

Authors

• Zoe Green '27, DePauw University
• Minjung Lee '27, DePauw University
• Gerardo A. Virgen, Colorado State University
• Nancy E. Levinger, Colorado State University

Files

Document Type

Poster

Publication Date

Fall 10-1-2026

Abstract

Most chemical reactions involving water are studied on the bulk scale despite most biological reactions occurring in nanoscopic environments. To understand the complexities of aqueous chemistry occurring in confined spaces, this study utilizes the aerosol OT (AOT) reverse micelle (RM), a well characterized and widely adopted self-assembled model system to investigate nanoconfined water solutions. We introduced an alcohol and carboxylic acid species as molecular additives and found they fundamentally alter the properties of self-assembled systems, changing their size and stability. This work is the starting point for an in-depth study of different carbon length alcohols and carboxylic acids in nanoconfined aqueous environments to establish models researchers utilizing nanoconfined environments.

Department

Department of Chemistry, Colorado State University

Project Mentor

Bridget Gourley

Funding and Acknowledgements

Funded by an NSF Grant

Recommended Citation

Green, Zoe '27; Lee, Minjung '27; Virgen, Gerardo A.; and Levinger, Nancy E., "Exploring the localization and impact of nanoconfined alcohols in the AOT reverse micelle model system" (2026). Annual Student Research Poster Session. 254.
https://scholarship.depauw.edu/srfposters/254