Integrated multilayer flow system on a microchip. |
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| Authors: | A Hibara M Tokeshi K Uchiyama H Hisamoto T Kitamori |
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| Institution: | Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Japan. hibara@icl.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp |
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| Abstract: | We utilized microchip technology and found that the multilayer flow of liquids can be formed in microchannels. Liquid/liquid interfaces were formed parallel to the side wall of the microchannels, because the surface tension and friction force are stronger than the force of gravity. A water/ethylacetate/water interface was formed in a 70-microm-wide and 30-microm-deep channel. The interface was observed to be quite stable and to be maintained for a distance of more than 18 cm. As an example of a multilayer flow application, we demonstrated the liquid/liquid extraction of Co-dimethylaminophenol complex in a microchannel. The solvent-extraction process of the complex into m-xylene in the multilayer flow was found to reach equilibrium in 4 s, while it took 60 s in a simple two-phase extraction. |
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