Education: a microfluidic platform for university-level analytical chemistry laboratories

Area of Science:

• Analytical Chemistry
• Chemical Education
• Microfluidics

Background:

• Traditional laboratory titration methods can be resource-intensive and involve hazardous materials.
• Integrating novel technologies into chemistry curricula is essential for modernizing education.
• Microfluidic platforms offer advantages in terms of reduced sample/reagent consumption and enhanced safety.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a continuous flow microfluidic platform for demonstrating acid-base titration reactions.
• To develop predictive equations for various acid-base neutralization reactions in a microfluidic format.
• To assess the educational utility and practical advantages of microfluidic titration in chemistry courses.

Main Methods:

• Development of a microfluidic system for continuous flow titrations.
• Formulation of mathematical models to predict titration outcomes.
• Experimental validation of strong acid-strong base, strong base-weak acid, and strong base-multiprotic acid titrations.

Main Results:

• Continuous flow microfluidic titrations demonstrated excellent repeatability.
• Predictive equations were successfully developed for diverse acid-base combinations.
• The microfluidic platform requires a small experimental footprint and minimizes waste.

Conclusions:

• Microfluidic titration is a viable and effective educational tool for analytical chemistry.
• This platform enhances safety and efficiency in teaching acid-base chemistry.
• Early exposure to microfluidics in undergraduate education is facilitated by this approach.