Recent developments in microfluidic device-based preparation, functionalization, and manipulation of nano- and micro-materials

Microfluidic systems provide a powerful platform for preparing, functionalizing, and manipulating nano-/micro-materials. In this review, we summarize the characteristics of state-of-the-art microfluidic techniques and their application to processing novel nano-/micro-materials with tunable size, shape, morphology, composition, and properties. A variety of synthesis strategies based on novel microfluidic devices are presented and compared, including their integration with real-time monitoring, external fields, and automatic feedback control. Novel functional nano-/micro-materials with complex structures have been controllably prepared and post-processed to obtain high-quality products. Strategies for controlling and tuning physical and chemical properties are also examined in terms of the design and function of microfluidic platforms. We provide an outlook on future developments in the processing of nano-/micro-materials by microfluidic technologies. (C) 2019 Chinese Society of Particuology and Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.