ERIC Number: EJ927032
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2011-Apr
Pages: 4
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0021-9584
EISSN: N/A
Chemistry in Microfluidic Channels
Chia, Matthew C.; Sweeney, Christina M.; Odom, Teri W.
Journal of Chemical Education, v88 n4 p461-464 Apr 2011
General chemistry introduces principles such as acid-base chemistry, mixing, and precipitation that are usually demonstrated in bulk solutions. In this laboratory experiment, we describe how chemical reactions can be performed in a microfluidic channel to show advanced concepts such as laminar fluid flow and controlled precipitation. Three sets of solution-pairs are explored: (i) a visualization of laminar flow at the interface between two dye-colored fluid streams; (ii) an acid-base reaction at the fluid-fluid interface; and (iii) a precipitation reaction of calcium carbonate (calcite) crystals at the fluid-fluid interface. These laboratory exercises provide a simple and effective means to expose students to the unique physical behaviors that result under confined flow. (Contains 5 figures.)
Descriptors: Undergraduate Students, Chemistry, Laboratory Experiments, Scientific Concepts, Scientific Principles, Mechanics (Physics), Hands on Science
Division of Chemical Education, Inc and ACS Publications Division of the American Chemical Society. 1155 Sixteenth Street NW, Washington, DC 20036. Tel: 800-227-5558; Tel: 202-872-4600; e-mail: eic@jce.acs.org; Web site: http://pubs.acs.org/jchemeduc
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Higher Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A