Continuous flow separation techniques for microchemical synthesis

Performing multistep microchemical synthesis requires many techniques from combining micromixers in series to the development of continuous microfluidic separation tools. Safety, high heat and mass transfer rates, and cost savings all continue to motivate microreactor development as a research tool, but many reactions generate a variety of (by)products including solid particles, immiscible fluids (gas and liquid), and miscible components requiring purification. We have endeavored to develop microfluidic systems which compliment existing microreactor technology, using forces that grow stronger with decreasing length scales such as electric fields and interfacial phenomena, and to use straightforward microfluidic mixers for kinetic studies of energetic material synthesis. Dielectrophoresis was used to study the continuous separation of polystyrene particles based on size. Essentially, a microfluidic particle "ratchet" was created using a soft-lithography microchannel and slanted interdigitated electrodes which provide a transverse force component on the particles. Experimental behavior agreed well with the model predictions, and 4 & 6 micron particles were continuously separated. Liquid-liquid extraction is another useful tool for microchemical synthesis and well-suited to small length scales because high mass transfer rates can be attained.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Chemical Engineering.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2006

Author dc:creator

• Kralj, Jason G

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Klavs F. Jensen and Martin A. Schmidt.

• Chemical Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/34164
• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Identifier URI

http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/34164

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/34164