ABSTRACT
This chapter illustrates how to tailor microemulsions for specific applications by changing an appropriate variable. It describes the effect of salinity on the phase behavior can be counterbalanced by an increase in the pH of an appropriate microemulsion. Microemulsions provide tunable media where the solubilization of either hydrophilic or hydrophobic monomer is possible in the dispersed or continuous phase. The potential of enhanced oil recovery using microemulsions is enormous. Considerable research has been done and several field tests conducted. Some factors to be considered in utilizing microemulsions as reaction media include the dynamics of the surfactant molecules, the collisions between the droplets, the flexibility of the interfacial film, and the partitioning of the reactants. Research on electrochemistry in microemulsions may be viewed from two different perspectives, electrochemistry as a characterization tool and microemulsions as media to conduct electrochemical reactions.
