Flow reactors are essential for maintaining chemical systems out-of-equilibrium in a continuous and controllable manner. In systems chemistry, where out-of-equilibrium conditions are essential for spatiotemporal self-organization of system’s interactions, microfluidics facilitated the detailed study of chemical reaction networks (CRNs), enabling a deeper exploration of their dynamic properties by providing precise control over small reaction volumes, reagent influx, mixing efficiency and compartmentalized environments. At the cutting edge of flow reactor technology are nanoliter-scale stirred reactors [1], which combine the precision of passive designs with active control mechanisms.
Jet-stirred systems represent a paradigm shift in reactor technology, combining the programmability of flow systems with the efficiency and simplicity of batch reactors [2]. Unlike traditional reactors, which rely on either mechanical stirring or passive diffusion, jet-stirred systems use high-velocity jets to dynamically deform interfaces and create new surfaces between immiscible phases (Figure 1). By exploring these regimes, jet-stirred systems could unlock new insights into CRNs and other non-linear chemical processes.
Assignment
1. Characterization: Study the dynamics of the jet and its impact on liquid media.
2. Reaction (macro): Characterise the chemical reaction with liquid volumes of the order of ml decreasing to μl.
3. Reaction (micro): Analyse the chemical reaction based on the impact velocity of the liquid micro jet.
4. Diffusion: Differentiate the propagation rates of the chemical reaction from diffusion.
References
1. J.-C. Galas, A.-M. Haghiri-Gosnet, and A. Estévez-Torres, A nanoliter-scale open chemical reactor, Lab Chip 13, 415 (2013).
2. Schoppink, J., & Fernandez Rivas, D. (2022). Jet injectors: Perspectives for small volume delivery with lasers. In Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews (Vol. 182). Elsevier B.V.
Contact information
Ulisses J. Gutiérrez Hérnandez; E-mail: u.j.gutierrezhernandez@utwente.nl
Prof. David Fernandez-Rivas