Interactions between cationic gemini surfactant alkanediyl-alpha,omega-bis(dodecyldimethylammonium bromide) (12-n-12, n = 3, 4, 6) and oppositely charged polyelectrolyte sodium polyacrylate (NaPAA) in aqueous solution have been investigated by measuring fluorescence, conductivity, UV- vis transmittance, dynamic lighting scattering, and transmission electron microscopy. Micelle-like structure and 12-n-12/NaPAA complex are observed to form due to the electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions, and the effective diameter of the complex reduces with increasing 12-n-12 concentration. The microstructures of 12-n-12/NaPAA solution determined from fluorescence and electron microscopy measurements are in good agreement. The spacer length is found to play an important role in the interactions of 12-n-12 with NaPAA. (c) 2006 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.