Effect of L64 on the Phase Behavior of 1-Dodecyl-3-methylimidazolium Chloride/Water System

Phase behavior of ternary system involving surfactant‐like ionic liquid 1‐dodecyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride ([C₁₂mim]Cl), water, and nonionic surfactant PEO‐PPO‐PEO block copolymer (Pluronic L64) is investigated at 25°C. Hexagonal (H₁) and lamellar liquid crystal phase (Lα) are found in [C₁₂mim]Cl/H₂O/L64 system by using polarized optical microscopy (POM), small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) techniques and ²H NMR spectra. The phase structure (H₁ phase), which is formed in [C₁₂mim]Cl/H₂O binary system, is not changed when L64 with a low concentration is added. However, phase transitions will occur from hexagonal to multiphases of H₁ and cubic phases (C), then to Lα+C phases with constant [C₁₂mim]Cl/H₂O ratio and increasing L64 concentration. Moreover, at given L64 (5%, 20%) concentration, the lattice parameter of H₁ or Lα phase decreases with increasing [C₁₂mim]Cl/H₂O ratio. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra indicate that the H‐bonded network comprising an imidazolium ring, chloride ion and water formed in [C₁₂mim]Cl/H₂O binary system is disrupted upon addition of L64. This is helpful to the phase transition, due to the decreasing of interfacial curvature induced by dehydration of hydrated layer after the addition of PEO block of L64.