title: Using flow technologies to direct the synthesis and assembly of materials in solution.
abstract: In the pursuit of materials with structure-related function, directing the assembly of materials is paramount. The resultant structure can be controlled by ordering of reactants, spatial confinement and control over the reaction/crystallisation times and stoichiometries. These conditions can be administered through the use of flow technologies as evidenced by the growing widespread application of microfluidics for the production of nanomaterials; the function of which is often dictated or circumscribed by size. In this review a range of flow technologies is explored for use in the control of self-assembled systems: including techniques for reagent ordering, mixing control and high-throughput optimisation. The examples given encompass organic, inorganic and biological systems and focus on control of shape, function, composition and size.Graphical abstract.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY UK.
authors.forename: K
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-0719-5854
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Robertson
keywords: Continuous crystallisation; Mesofluidics; Microfluidics; Microreactor