High-throughput synthesis of nanoparticles using oscillating feedback microreactors: a selective scaling-out strategy

Abstract

High-throughput synthesis of high-quality nanoparticles using traditional methods is difficult because of the complexities in controlling residence time and concentration. Passive oscillating feedback micromixers (OFMs) can overcome these difficulties. However, it remains a challenge to significantly increase throughput while retaining the microfluidic advantages. In this work, a selective scaling-out strategy was used to generate a series of enlarged OFMs, which were demonstrated to produce BaSO₄ nanoparticles. A novel chaotic convection synthesis mode was found to produce high-quality BaSO₄ nanoparticles (mean size, 24.91 nm; size distribution, 10–50 nm) at a high throughput of 281.4 mL min⁻¹. The NP production rate can reach 538.4 g h⁻¹, far exceeding the reported production rates.