Patterned microfluidic devices for rapid screening of metal–organic frameworks yield insights into polymorphism and non-monotonic growth

Abstract

Illustrated is a continuous-flow microfluidic device with patterned surface to induce faster nucleation of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and other slow-growing crystals, where the cyclonic flow allows trapping of crystals to grow them under controlled conditions.

In-situ multicore fibre-based pH mapping through obstacles in integrated microfluidic devices

“…The porous structures (patterns) in such microfluidic devices can be created using photolithography, etching, direct laser writing, and various 3D printing techniques, including extrusion-based printing, material jetting, and stereolithography 14,[19][20][21][22][23][24][25] . The dimensions of porous features in such devices are on the scale of tens of micrometers, offering fine control on the functionality of the devices 23,[25][26][27][28][29] . The functionality and the value of the devices can be further enhanced by integrating the devices with custom-made and/or commercially available sensors 11,30 .…”

Droplet‐Based Millifluidic Synthesis of a Proton-Conducting Sulfonate Metal–Organic Framework

“…Reaction yields and MOF particle sizes are particularly irreproducible in scaled-up batch reactions, as the depletion of metal ions and linkers in batch processes affects the kinetics of the oligomerization reaction and the nucleation and growth rates [43,44]. Two-phase droplet flow systems, including slug flow, offer a promising route to fabricate MOF particles whilst simultaneously inhibiting channel clogging and enhancing particle size control [45].…”

In-line measurement of liquid–liquid phase separation boundaries using a turbidity-sensor-integrated continuous-flow microfluidic device

“…In this study, an easy-to-adapt and affordable photosensitive turbidity sensor was developed and integrated into a novel continuous-flow microfluidic device for detecting the LLPS boundaries. [20][21][22][23][24] The continuous-flow microfluidic device provides uniform mixing by inducing cyclonic flow inside the micromixer. The turbidity sensor consists of a photodiode as the detector and an infrared light-emitting diode (LED) light that provides the light source.…”