Integrated multilayer flow system on a microchip.
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.
Hibara
A
A
Department of Applied Chemistry, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Japan. hibara@icl.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp
Tokeshi
M
M
Uchiyama
K
K
Hisamoto
H
H
Kitamori
T
T