Micellar structures, electron-transfer

The potential influence of the dendrylation on the functional core unit includes sometimes a drastically increased molecule size as well as a steric shielding (encapsulation) and a micro-environment different and isolated from its external surroundings, eg., unimolecular micellar structures, electron-rich shells, solubilization. It is even possible to activate the core unit by both energy and electron transfer processes. In the following subsections, these design possibilities will be dealt with in more detail. 

For a reactant molecule or ion in a micellar solution or microemulsion, predictions of electron transfer kinetics at electrodes need to consider [14] (1) the distance between the electrode and the reactant, (2) the environment surrounding the reactant at the time of electron transfer, (3) structure and dynamics of surfactant aggregates on the electrode, and (4) dynamics of interactions of the reactant with surfactant structures on the electrode and with micelles. A molecular picture of these events during electron transfer is by no means clear, and quantitative predictions are not possible at this time. A qualitative view of the above factors is given in the following paragraphs. 

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