A microfluidic synthesis method for preparation and regulation of 3-ami-nophenol formaldehyde resin spheres

摘要

Preparation of resin spheres with high monodispersity and controllable size is of significant value for the research and development of functional composite particles applicable to energy exploitations, biomedical technologies and micro-/nanofluidic devices. Unfortunately, traditional bulk synthesis for resin spheres suffers from some drawbacks including inaccurate control over flow and reaction conditions, high requirements on equipment and operation, and sometimes hazardous to operators and environment. In this paper, a microfluidic platform assembled with separated charging inlets, winding channel and helical tube structure is designed for the controllable synthesis of small sized and monodispersed 3-aminophenol formaldehyde resin spheres. The optimal operating conditions are found with the flow rates of 200 mu L/min for continuous phase and 15 mu L/min for each reagent flow, and the residence time of 270 s and temperature of 80 degrees C in the water-bath. The obtained resin particles show regular spherical shapes and have a small size of around 250 nm with high monodispersity (polydispersity index 4%). The present microfluidic platform not only provides a promising substitution to traditional bulk synthesis but also allows for the accurate regulations of particle size and monodispersity.