Switchable viscosity triggered by CO2 using smart worm-like micelles.

We report two CO2-responsive aqueous solutions having switchable viscosity. The solution of sodium octadecyl sulfate and 2-(dimethylamino)ethanol forms viscoelastic worm-like micelles in the presence of CO2 but not in its absence at 60 °C. Another solution of sodium stearate and sodium nitrate has high viscosity only if CO2 is absent.