Stabilization of non-aqueous liquid–liquid interfaces: Versatility of stabilizers and promising applications

: Non-aqueous liquid–liquid interfaces exhibit significantly lower interfacial tension compared to conventional oil-water interfaces, typically in the range of a few mN/m. This low tension presents a challenge for stabilization using traditional surfactants or colloidal particles. For decades, block copolymers and inorganic Pickering particles have served as standard stabilizers for non-aqueous biphasic systems. In recent years, research has led to the development of versatile stabilizers and novel strategies for stabilizing these systems. Notably, interfacial coassembly of binary or multiple stabilizers with complementary physicochemical properties has emerged as a powerful alternative strategy. This approach highlights the significance of key parameters, such as intermolecular interactions, particle size, wettability, surface charge, and amphiphilicity, in determining the effectiveness of interfacial stabilization. More importantly, based on the dynamic and irreversible interfacial coassembly, previously inaccessible applications for sole stabilizers, such as the fabrication of complex oil-based architectures, can now be pursued with greater stability and reliability.