Droplet-based microreactor for the production of micro/nano-materials

Abstract

Droplet-based microreactors are of great interest to researchers due to their incredible ability in the synthesis of micro/nano-materials with multi-function and complex geometry. In recent years, a broad range of micro/nano-materials has been synthesized in droplet-based microreactors, which provide apparent advantages, such as better reproducibility, reliable automation, and accurate manipulation. In this review, we give a comprehensive and in-depth insight into droplet-based microreactors, covering fundamental research from droplet generation and manipulation to the applications of droplet-based microreactors in micro/nano-material generation. We also explore the outlook for droplet-based microreactors and challenges that lie ahead and give a possible effort direction. We hope this review will promote communications among researchers and entrepreneurs.

Keywords: Droplet; Micro/nano-materials; Microreactor; Synthesis.