ABSTRACT

The use of surfactants or amphiphilic molecules in electrochemistry dates back over four decades [1,2]. Extensive research on electrochemistry in surfactant systems has been reported primarily in the last 20 years. Surfactant systems are ubiquitous. The aggregation of surfactant molecules may produce a variety of systems including micelles, monolayers and bilayers, vesicles, lipid films, emulsions, foams, and microemulsions. Developments in the area of electrochemistry in such association colloids and dispersions have been documented by Mackay and Texter [3]. Mackay [4] reviewed the developments in association colloids, particularly micelles and microemulsions. Rusling [5,6] also reviewed electrochemistry in micelles, microemulsions, and related organized media. This chapter focuses on microemulsions and does not deal with micelles, monolayers, emulsions, and other surfactant systems per se.