Geomaterial‐Functionalized Microfluidic Devices Using a Universal Surface Modification Approach. Issue 23 (22nd October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Yaqi; Yesiloz, Gurkan; Sharahi, Hossein Jiryaei; Khorshidian, Hossein; Kim, Seonghwan; Sanati‐Nezhad, Amir; Hejazi, Seyed Hossein
• Is Part Of: Advanced materials interfaces. Volume 6:Issue 23(2019)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2019-10-22
• Subjects: micro‐ and nanocharacterization -- microfluidics -- porous media -- self‐assembly -- surface modification; Materials science -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/admi.201900995
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2196-7350

Abstract

Abstract: The layer‐by‐layer (LbL) self‐assembly technique is used to coat the surface of flow channels in microfluidic chips with geomaterials. The surface modifications diminish the discrepancy between the surface chemistry of synthesized microfluidic devices and those of underground porous rocks. Hence, the use of visual models and, in particular, microfluidic devices is broadened to simulate the multiphase flows and fluid–solid interactions in actual rocks. Glass and quartz substrates are successfully coated with silicon dioxide (SiO2 ), bentonite, and montmorillonite. On‐chip functionalization of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and glass micromodels with SiO2 is also accomplished. The functionalized coatings using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and contact angle measurements are characterized. The surface modification technique is shown to be material‐independent, which generates a hydrophilic surface. The surface‐coated chips, functionalized by clay particles, are utilized to illustrate the role of water salinity on oil displacement. Abstract : This work experimentally demonstrates a universal and robust surface modification method that functionalizes microfluidic devices with real rock/soil surface chemistries, by using layer‐by‐layer (LbL) self‐assembly of geomaterials including clay minerals. The functionalized microchips enable microscopic, visual studies on topics of subsurface porous systems, especially the complicated issues related to the solid (rock/soil)‐fluid interactions.