Issue 12, 2006

Multiphase microfluidics: from flow characteristics to chemical and materials synthesis

Abstract

We review transport characteristics of pressure-driven, multiphase flows through microchannel networks tens of nanometres to several hundred of micrometres wide with emphasis on conditions resulting in enhanced mixing and reduced axial dispersion. Dimensionless scaling parameters useful in characterizing multiphase flows are summarized along with experimental flow visualization techniques. Static and dynamic stability considerations are also included along with methods for stabilizing multiphase flows through surface modifications. Observed gas–liquid and immiscible liquid–liquid flows are summarized in terms of flow regime diagrams and the different flows are related to applications in chemistry and materials synthesis. Means to completely separate multiphase flows on the microscale and guidelines for design of scalable multiphase systems are also discussed.

Graphical abstract: Multiphase microfluidics: from flow characteristics to chemical and materials synthesis

Additions and corrections

Article information

Article type
Critical Review
Submitted
11 Jul 2006
Accepted
31 Aug 2006
First published
27 Sep 2006

Lab Chip, 2006,6, 1487-1503

Multiphase microfluidics: from flow characteristics to chemical and materials synthesis

A. Günther and K. F. Jensen, Lab Chip, 2006, 6, 1487 DOI: 10.1039/B609851G

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