A review of stimuli-responsive microemulsions: Responsive mechanism, physicochemical property, and application

Stimuli-responsive microemulsions (MEs) can switch between stability and instability rapidly and reversibly, and show sensitive responsiveness, excellent reversibility, and green environmental protection. This review compiles stimuli-responsive compounds which have been used to establish different stimuli-responsive MEs, and the properties of the stimuli-responsive MEs will be discussed. Further applications of the stimuli-responsive MEs in biologically active substances delivery, separation and catalysis of chemical reactions will also be mentioned. In addition, the relevant future perspectives are highlighted.