Synthesis,Characterization, Surface,and Thermodynamic Studies of Alkyl Tetrachloroferrates: Performance Evaluation of Their Nanostructures as Biocides

Decyl and dodecylamino tetrachloroferrates were synthesized and characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), elemental analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD), nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H-NMR), and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The surface properties of the cationic surfactants including critical micelle concentration, effectiveness, minimum surface area, and maximum surface excess were determined using surface tension measurements. The effectiveness of surface tension reduction (π_cmc) was found to increase as the hydrophobic chain length increases with values of 30 and 34 mN m^?1 for C₁₀ and C₁₂, respectively. Moreover, the effect of temperature on micellization was determined over the range of 35–55 °C. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔG°, ΔS°, and ΔH°) were calculated and the results indicate a spontaneous process for both micellization and adsorption. The nanoparticles (NC₁₀ and NC₁₂) of the prepared surfactants were obtained using the ball mill technique. The particle size and morphology of the nanoparticles were determined using transmission electron microscope measurements. The antibacterial study of the nanoparticle surfactants revealed their strong efficiency against fungi and different pathogenic bacteria compared with the original surfactants.