In:
The Journal of Chemical Physics, AIP Publishing, Vol. 126, No. 24 ( 2007-06-28)
Abstract:
The mechanism and kinetics of micellar breakup and fusion in a dilute solution of a model surfactant are investigated by path sampling techniques. Analysis of the path ensemble gives insight in the mechanism of the transition. For larger, less stable micelles the fission/fusion occurs via a clear neck formation, while for smaller micelles the mechanism is more direct. In addition, path analysis yields an appropriate order parameter to evaluate the fusion and fission rate constants using stochastic transition interface sampling. For the small, stable micelle (50 surfactants) the computed fission rate constant is a factor of 10 lower than the fusion rate constant. The procedure opens the way for accurate calculation of free energy and kinetics for, e.g., membrane fusion, and wormlike micelle endcap formation.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0021-9606
,
1089-7690
Language:
English
Publisher:
AIP Publishing
Publication Date:
2007
detail.hit.zdb_id:
3113-6
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1473050-9
Permalink
