Effect of linking groups and hydrophobic groups on properties of sulfate Gemini surfactants

•A series of sulfate Gemini surfactants with different hydrophobic chains and linking groups were synthesized.•The heat resistance, Krafft points, CMC, surface tension, emulsification were tested and evaluated in detail.•The linking groups and hydrophobic groups had a certain effect on the properties of sulfate Gemini surfactants.•The III2a with C14 and -(CH2)2- had the best foam performance at 0.4 wt% with the Vmax = 780 mL and t1/2 = 330 s.