The goal of predictive science is to establish structure−function relations for a system of interest.
The obvious first step is to determine the structure of the system. Predictions in asphaltene science
have been greatly inhibited, because of disagreement regarding molecular weight and molecular
structure. With substantial progress on both structural fronts, structure−function relationships
can be explored. Here, high quality factor (high-Q) ultrasonics is used to demonstrate asphaltene
nanoaggregation at ∼100 mg/L. Fluorescence quenching measurements corroborate these results.
Simple concepts regarding asphaltene molecular structure can be used to understand asphaltene
nanoaggregation. These relations are seen to apply for asphaltene samples of very different origin.
The implications of this understanding on larger-scale asphaltene aggregation and solubility are
discussed.
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