Follow On: The Bijel: A membrane contactor for microreactors

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We aim to create a membrane contactor for microreactors based on a novel medium that was discovered in Edinburgh. Our invention will be targeted, initially, at liquid/liquid extraction applications for the pharmaceutical and fine chemical industries. The novel medium is a bicontinuous interfacially jammed emulsion gel (bijel). It has two fluid domains which fill the sample in a convoluted arrangement and share a large mutual interface. The interface is stabilized by a layer of colloidal particles. This structure will be employed to bring two immiscible solvents into contact while they flow independently. Contact occurs at the interstices between the colloids. Our plan is to create a prototype membrane contactor and to use this to attract potential licensees. The patent for the invention of the bijel has already been filed.