Formation of a core-shell droplet in a thermo-responsive ionic liquid/water mixture by using optical tweezers

Many chemical and biological processes involve phase separation; however, controlling this is challenging. Here, we demonstrate local phase separation using optical tweezers in a thermo-responsive ionic liquid/water solution. Upon near-infrared laser irradiation, a single droplet is formed at the focal spot. The droplet has a core consisting of highly concentrated ionic liquid. The mechanism of the core-shell droplet formation is discussed in view of the spatial distribution of optical and thermal potentials.

Automated summary

In this study, we demonstrate the local phase separation in a thermo-responsive ionic liquid/water solution using optical tweezers. By irradiating with near-infrared laser, a single droplet is formed at the focal spot, with a core consisting of highly concentrated ionic liquid. The mechanism of droplet formation is discussed based on the spatial distribution of optical and thermal potentials.