Iwona Kowalczyk, Adrianna Szulc, Bogumił Brycki
Cationic gemini surfactants, which constitute a unique class of amphiphilic molecules composed of two hydrophilic ammonium groups and two hydrocarbon tails connected by a spacer, have emerged as highly versatile functional agents with superior interfacial activity and self-assembly behavior compared to conventional monomeric analogs. Their structural tunability enables precise control over physicochemical properties, making them attractive for applications across diverse scientific and industrial domains. In biomedical sciences, gemini surfactants act as potent antimicrobial and anti-biofilm agents, as well as efficient carriers for drug and gene delivery. In nanotechnology and optoelectronics, they facilitate the synthesis and stabilization of nanoparticles, quantum dots, and perovskite nanocrystals, leading to improved colloidal stability, enhanced photophysical performance, and extended material lifetimes. Within the petroleum industry, gemini surfactants have proven effective in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) by reducing interfacial tension and in crude oil transportation as drag-reducing agents (DRAs), significantly lowering viscosity, turbulence, and pipeline energy losses. This review summarizes recent advances in the chemistry, mechanisms of action, and applications of gemini surfactants, highlighting their multifunctionality and emphasizing their potential in the development of next-generation sustainable technologies.