4.3. Conductometry

The specific conductance measurements were taken using a digital conductivity meter (Electronics India) in a conductivity cell of unit cell constant. The concentrated solution of surfactant was added to 8 mL of the aqueous salt solution using a Hamilton microsyringe. A sufficient time was given before each measurement for thorough mixing and for temperature equilibration. The CMC values are the mean of three measurements and determined from the break point in the specific conductance vs [surfactant] plot. Carpena’s method was used for the determination of break point (i.e., CMC) and β value at higher ionic strength of salt due to less abrupt change in conductivity as a function of [SDDS].⁷² The method has been discussed in detail in the Supporting Information. The temperature of the experiment was maintained at 298 K by a water bath circulator of accuracy ±0.1 K. The error in measured conductivity was within ±1%.⁷¹