Advancements in Characterization Techniques for Microemulsions: From Molecular Insights to Macroscopic Phenomena

Abstract

Microemulsions are thermodynamically stable, optically isotropic, transparent, or semi-transparent mixed solutions composed of two immiscible solvents stabilized by amphiphilic solutes. This comprehensive review explores state-of-the-art techniques for characterizing microemulsions, which are versatile solutions essential across various industries, such as pharmaceuticals, food, and petroleum. This article delves into spectroscopic methods, nuclear magnetic resonance, small-angle scattering, dynamic light scattering, conductometry, zeta potential analysis, cryo-electron microscopy, refractive index measurement, and differential scanning calorimetry, examining each technique’s strengths, limitations, and potential applications. Emphasizing the necessity of a multi-technique approach for a thorough understanding, it underscores the importance of integrating diverse analytical methods to unravel microemulsion structures from molecular to macroscopic scales. This synthesis provides a roadmap for researchers and practitioners, fostering advancements in microemulsion science and its wide-ranging industrial applications.