Issue 3, 2020

Electro-coalescence in step emulsification: dynamics and applications

Abstract

Step emulsification is a low-shear method to produce monodispersed microdroplets by spontaneous breakup of dispersed fluid at a spatial “step”. As a semi-open microfluidic system, controllable coalescence of multiple components in step emulsification has not been achieved. Here, we use a low voltage to control the coalescence position of flow tips in the terrace. By investigating the interaction between the coalescence behavior and the hydrodynamics of the drop formation, we numerically predict the shape evolution of the flow tips and give a semi-empirical model to calculate the sizes of droplets by the flow rates and the voltage. Furthermore, we explore the capabilities of the electro-coalescer based on step emulsification. To trigger the coalescence in the wide reservoir, the clogging problem in precipitate-producing reactions is avoided. Besides, the low-shear nature of step emulsification also facilitates the production of multilayered droplets.

Graphical abstract: Electro-coalescence in step emulsification: dynamics and applications

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
10 Nov 2019
Accepted
13 Dec 2019
First published
17 Dec 2019

Lab Chip, 2020,20, 592-600

Electro-coalescence in step emulsification: dynamics and applications

X. Huang, B. He, Z. Xu, H. Pei and Y. J. Ruan, Lab Chip, 2020, 20, 592 DOI: 10.1039/C9LC01115C

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