Counterion Binding to Ionic Surfactant Micelles

Studies on counterion binding to ionic surfactant micelles are reviewed. The degree of counterion binding, β, is used as a measure of the number of bound counterions. The ion-selective electrode and conductivity methods and a method for estimating β from the dependence of critical micelle concentration on counterion concentration are discussed. The dependence of β on the particular kinds and concentrations of counterion and surfactant ion, micellar shape, temperature and solvent are demonstrated.