Microflow Systems for Chemical Synthesis and Analysis: Approaches to Full Integration of Chemical Process

Abstract

Integrated microchemical systems on microchips, which are based on continuous microflows, are expected to become important tools for analysis and chemical synthesis applications for biological sciences and technologies. For these purposes, general integration concepts have been developed, including microunit operations (MUOs) and continuousflow chemical processing (CFCP) to create fully functional systems for various chemical processing applications. The general methodology has enabled analysis, synthesis, and fabrication of chemical systems on microchips, and these microsystems have demonstrated superior performance (e.g., rapid, simple, easy operation, and highly efficient processing) compared to conventional methodologies. Microchemical technology has now entered the phase of practical application. In this review, we discuss the methods for integration of continuous flow-based chemical process on microchips, relevant technologies, and applications.

Co and Ni extraction and separation in segmented micro-flow using a coiled flow inverter

“…Mixing in the microchannels occurs primarily by molecular diffusion and convection due to insetting recirculations. Liquid-liquid extraction, including mixing and phase separation, especially benefits from such microflow systems as mass transfer is rapidly completed by the short diffusion distances and effective convection, chemical reactions are significantly accelerated by large interfacial areas, and excellent phase separation performance is achieved by surface tension over inertial and gravitational force [19,20]. Many investigations of extraction metal ions and organic compounds using different kinds of microreactors have been conducted as an significant alternative to conventional macro processes [21][22][23][24][25][26][27].…”

Analytical Microsystem for the Monitoring and Analysis of Cobalt in Aqueous Solutions Using LTCC Technology

“…In the last decades there has been a growing interest in the measurement of low concentrations of analytes of industrial and environmental interest with increasing speed, precision and accuracy [1]. To comply with these requirements there is a need for methods and instruments that allow in-situ quantitative and qualitative analysis with high selectivity, some of those methods include Lab-on-a-chip systems and Micro Total Analysis Systems (μTAS), which have great advantages because they can combine versatility, integrity, miniaturization and automation [2,3].…”

The continuous flow synthesis of 2,4,5-trifluorobenzoic acid via sequential Grignard exchange and carboxylation reactions using microreactors

“…Another notable feature is the ease of scalability from bench experiment to large-scale production, either by running the flow-reactor for an extended time or by numbering the parallel microreactors, which is quite important from the viewpoint of industry production. In addition, the incorporation of real time monitoring with intelligent feedback loops into a microflow system, also offers considerable possibilities to develop fully automated processes [33][34][35].…”