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

Wenqian Feng, Yu Chai, Joe Forth, Paul D. Ashby, Thomas P. Russell and Brett A. Helms ()
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Wenqian Feng: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Yu Chai: University of California, Berkeley
Joe Forth: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Paul D. Ashby: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Thomas P. Russell: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Brett A. Helms: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

Nature Communications, 2019, vol. 10, issue 1, 1-9

Abstract: 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.

Date: 2019
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09042-y

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