INTERFACE-TEMPLATED FORMATION OF MONODISPERSE DOUGHNUT-SHAPED SILICA MICROPARTICLES

摘要

A simple droplet-based microfluidic approach is used to control the formation of monodispersed silica particles in doughnut shape, in which uniform water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion droplets of silica sol were generated and subsequently underwent shrinkage through in situ rapid solvent diffusion within the microfluidic channel. Due to interface buckling, they finally solidify to form doughnut-shaped silica microparticles. The silica microstructures prepared in this way are monodisperse in both size and shape. This approach provides a starting point to control the geometry of a three-dimensional silica microstructure by droplet-based microfluidics. The exciting results could also promote new applications, for example, in shape-specific drug delivery carrier.