Spatial heterogeneity in a lyotropic liquid crystal with hexagonal phase

Non-ionic surfactant hexaethylene glycol, C ₁₂E ₆, in water self-assembles into various kinds of mesophases by varying the surfactant concentration. A spatial heterogeneity was discussed on the basis of the diffusion of probe particles dispersed in the C ₁₂E ₆-water solution. Interestingly, at 50 wt% C ₁₂E ₆ where the hexagonal structure was formed, two kinds of motion of probe particles were observed: some particles normally diffused while others were restricted, indicating the existence of a heterogeneity in the physical properties. Such heterogeneity can be explained in terms of heterogeneous structures composed of hexagonal domains with isotropic-like regions.