Partic. vol. 9 no. 6 pp. 545-558 (December 2011)
doi: 10.1016/j.partic.2011.06.004

Review

Controllable preparation of particles with microfluidics

Guangsheng Luo^*, Le Du, Yujun Wang, Yangcheng Lu, Jianhong Xu

gsluo@tsinghua.edu.cn

Abstract

This paper reviews recent development and achievements in controllable preparation of nanoparticles, micron spherical and non-spherical particles, using microfluidics. A variety of synthesis strategies are presented and compared, including single-phase and multiphase microflows. The main structures of microfluidic devices and the fundamental principles of microflows for particle preparation are summarized and identified. The controllability of particle size, size distribution, crystal structure, morphology, physical and chemical properties, is examined in terms of the special features of microfluidic reactors. An outlook on opinions and predictions concerning the future development of powder technology with microfluidics is specially provided.

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Microfluidics; Nanoparticles; Micron spherical particles; Micron non-spherical particles; Preparation technology