Issue 23, 2017

Why microfluidics? Merits and trends in chemical synthesis

Abstract

The intrinsic limitations of conventional batch synthesis have hindered its applications in both solving classical problems and exploiting new frontiers. Microfluidic technology offers a new platform for chemical synthesis toward either molecules or materials, which has promoted the progress of diverse fields such as organic chemistry, materials science, and biomedicine. In this review, we focus on the improved performance of microreactors in handling various situations, and outline the trend of microfluidic synthesis (microsynthesis, μSyn) from simple microreactors to integrated microsystems. Examples of synthesizing both chemical compounds and micro/nanomaterials show the flexible applications of this approach. We aim to provide strategic guidance for the rational design, fabrication, and integration of microdevices for synthetic use. We critically evaluate the existing challenges and future opportunities associated with this burgeoning field.

Graphical abstract: Why microfluidics? Merits and trends in chemical synthesis

Article information

Article type
Critical Review
Submitted
16 Jun 2017
Accepted
07 Sep 2017
First published
15 Sep 2017

Lab Chip, 2017,17, 3960-3978

Why microfluidics? Merits and trends in chemical synthesis

Y. Liu and X. Jiang, Lab Chip, 2017, 17, 3960 DOI: 10.1039/C7LC00627F

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