X-ray absorption fine structure of bromide ions attracted by cationic surfactants at the heptane-water interface

The total-reflection X-ray spectroscopic technique was applied to an interfacial species at the liquid-liquid interface. The XAFS spectrum of bromide ions at the heptane-water interface was successfully obtained in the fluorescence mode. A slight change in the spectra was observed in the presence of the cationic surfactants, dimethyldilaurylammonium and stearyltrimethylammonium ions. This suggested that the hydrated structure of bromide ions attracted by the cationic surfactants at the heptane-water interface is different from neat interfaces or bulk aqueous phases.