Tensions at liquid interfaces: a general filter for the separation of micro-/nanoparticles

Langmuir. 2008 Mar 18;24(6):2281-3. doi: 10.1021/la7038569. Epub 2008 Feb 22.

Abstract

In this letter, we put forward a new strategy for the separation of micro-/nanoparticles with different sizes and densities by using the tensions at liquid interfaces. The interactions between particles and a liquid-liquid interface have been analyzed. Furthermore, we applied our strategy to the separation of two size-distributed Cu2O particles by using the water and n-pentanol interface, which demonstrates the feasibility of the proposed separation method.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Copper / chemistry*
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Particle Size
  • Pentanols / chemistry*
  • Surface Tension
  • Water / chemistry

Substances

  • Pentanols
  • Water
  • Copper
  • n-pentanol
  • cuprous oxide