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Harnessing liquid-in-liquid printing and micropatterned substrates to fabricate 3-dimensional all-liquid fluidic devices

Author

Listed:
  • Wenqian Feng

    (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory)

  • Yu Chai

    (University of California, Berkeley
    Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory)

  • Joe Forth

    (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory)

  • Paul D. Ashby

    (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
    Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory)

  • Thomas P. Russell

    (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
    Conte Center for Polymer Research
    Beijing University of Chemical Technology
    Tohoku University)

  • Brett A. Helms

    (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
    Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory)

Abstract

Systems comprised of immiscible liquids held in non-equilibrium shapes by the interfacial assembly and jamming of nanoparticle−polymer surfactants have significant potential to advance catalysis, chemical separations, energy storage and conversion. Spatially directing functionality within them and coupling processes in both phases remains a challenge. Here, we exploit nanoclay−polymer surfactant assemblies at an oil−water interface to produce a semi-permeable membrane between the liquids, and from them all-liquid fluidic devices with bespoke properties. Flow channels are fabricated using micropatterned 2D substrates and liquid-in-liquid 3D printing. The anionic walls of the device can be functionalized with cationic small molecules, enzymes, and colloidal nanocrystal catalysts. Multi-step chemical transformations can be conducted within the channels under flow, as can selective mass transport across the liquid−liquid interface for in-line separations. These all-liquid systems become automated using pumps, detectors, and control systems, revealing a latent ability for chemical logic and learning.

Suggested Citation

  • Wenqian Feng & Yu Chai & Joe Forth & Paul D. Ashby & Thomas P. Russell & Brett A. Helms, 2019. "Harnessing liquid-in-liquid printing and micropatterned substrates to fabricate 3-dimensional all-liquid fluidic devices," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 10(1), pages 1-9, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:10:y:2019:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-019-09042-y
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09042-y
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    Cited by:

    1. Qiyuan Chen & Hang Zhai & David J. Beebe & Chao Li & Bu Wang, 2024. "Visualization-enhanced under-oil open microfluidic system for in situ characterization of multi-phase chemical reactions," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-11, December.
    2. Chongrui Zhang & Xufei Liu & Jiang Gong & Qiang Zhao, 2023. "Liquid sculpture and curing of bio-inspired polyelectrolyte aqueous two-phase systems," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-10, December.
    3. Sai Zhao & Yongkang Jiang & Yuchen Fu & Wei Chen & Qinrong Zhang & Liulin He & Changxiong Huang & Yao Liu & Xiao Cheng Zeng & Yu Chai, 2024. "Chaperone solvent-assisted assembly of polymers at the interface of two immiscible liquids," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-10, December.
    4. Parisa Bazazi & Howard A. Stone & S. Hossein Hejazi, 2022. "Spongy all-in-liquid materials by in-situ formation of emulsions at oil-water interfaces," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-10, December.
    5. Youngsun Kim & Hongru Ding & Yuebing Zheng, 2022. "Investigating water/oil interfaces with opto-thermophoresis," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-9, December.

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