Stop flow lithography synthesis and characterization of structured microparticles

In this study, the synthesis of nonspherical composite particles of poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEG-DA)/SiO2 and PEGDA/ Al2O3 with single or multiple vias and the corresponding inorganic particles of SiO2 and Al2O3 synthesized using the Stop Flow Lithography (SFL)method is reported. Precursor suspensions of PEG-DA, 2-hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone, and SiO2 or Al2O3 nanoparticles were prepared. The precursor suspension flows through a microfluidic device mounted on an upright microscope and is polymerized in an automated process. A patterned photomask with transparent geometric features masks UV light to synthesize the particles. Composite particles with vias were synthesized and corresponding inorganic SiO2 and Al2O3 particles were obtained through polymer burn-off and sintering of the composites. The synthesis of porous inorganic particles of SiO2 and Al2O3 with vias and overall dimensions in the range of ∼35-90 µm was achieved. BET specific surface area measurements for single via inorganic particles were 56-69m2/g for SiO2 particles and 73-81m2/g for Al2O3 particles. Surface areas as high as 114m2/g were measured formultivia cubic SiO2 particles. The findings suggest that, with optimization, the particles should have applications in areas where high surface area is important such as catalysis and sieving.