Three dimensional multiphasic structures via vaporization induced phase separation (VIPS)
AssigneeThe Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
InventorsDaeyeon Lee, Kathleen J Stebe, Tiancheng Wang
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Abstract
This disclosure demonstrates a new method to produce three dimensional multiphasic structures, including bijels, via vapor-induced phase separation (VIPS). In VIPS, the evaporation of the co-solvent from a ternary mixture of oil, water and ethanol, induces phase separation. Particles present in the mixture attach to the interface and arrest the phase separation between water and oil. VIPS enables, inter alia, the fabrication of films and coatings via spreading or spraying particle-laden suspension onto a surface without the need for an outer aqueous phase.
Claims18
A method, comprising:
- with a ternary mixture of a hydrophilic phase, an organic phase, and a co-solvent, the ternary mixture further having a plurality of particles disposed therein,
- giving rise to evaporation of the co-solvent into the environment exterior to the ternary mixture,
- the evaporation effecting (1) a phase separation that forms an interface between the hydrophilic phase and the organic phase, and (2) an assembly of at least some of the plurality of particles at the interface,
- the assembly arresting the phase separation and the evaporation giving rise to a multiphasic three-dimensional structure,
- the multiphasic three-dimensional structure defining a plurality of domains therein.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.