Micro-evaporators for kinetic exploration of phase diagrams

Jacques Leng (1) , Barbara Lonetti (1) , Patrick Tabeling (1) , Mathieu Joanicot (2) , Armand Ajdari (1)

1 LPCT - Laboratoire de Physico-Chimie Théorique
2 LOF - Laboratoire du Futur

We use pervaporation-based microfluidic devices to concentrate species in aqueous solutions with spatial and temporal control of the process. Using experiments and modelling, we quantitatively describe the advection-diffusion behavior of the concentration field of various solutions (electrolytes, colloids, etc) and demonstrate the potential of these devices as universal tools for the kinetic exploration of the phases and textures that form upon concentration.

Mots clés: microfluidics; phase transition; kinetics; controlled growth

Domaines: Matière Molle [cond-mat.soft]

Jacques Leng, Barbara Lonetti, Patrick Tabeling, Mathieu Joanicot, Armand Ajdari. Micro-evaporators for kinetic exploration of phase diagrams. 2006. ⟨hal-00016965⟩