Nonlinear oscillations at liquid interfaces by surfactant transfer

Abstract

Systems are reviewed in which spontaneous nonlinear oscillations occur at the interface by surfactant transfer inside the system. Oscillations of the electrical potential through the interface and of the interfacial tension were observed by transfer of ionic species through an oil/water interface and through a liquid oil membrane interposed between two aqueous solutions. Auto-oscillations of the surface tension occur at the air/water interface by dissolution of a surfactant droplet in the bulk of water. The last system is the simplest from the chemical point of view, and the mechanism of this phenomenon can be explained on the basis of direct numerical simulations of the dynamics of the model system.