Shape-based separation of micro-/nanoparticles in liquid phases.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Separation Science

Background:

• Producing particles with specific shapes requires separating them from mixtures of similar volumes.
• Existing size-based separation methods are abundant, but shape-based methods are less developed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current shape-based separation techniques for rigid micro- and nanoparticles in liquid phases.
• To categorize separation mechanisms based on surface interactions or size-based extensions.

Main Methods:

• Review of techniques including size exclusion chromatography, field flow fractionation, deterministic lateral displacement, inertial focusing, electrophoresis, magnetophoresis, self-assembly precipitation, and centrifugation.
• Classification of separation mechanisms into surface interaction changes or size-based separation extensions.
• Analysis of geometric restrictions and shape-dependent transport properties.

Main Results:

• Identified and categorized various state-of-the-art shape-based separation methods.
• Distinguished between separation driven by surface interactions and those leveraging geometric or transport properties.
• Highlighted the under-exploration of shape-based separation compared to size-based methods.

Conclusions:

• Shape-based separation of micro-/nanoparticles is a critical but underdeveloped area.
• Various physical principles can be harnessed for effective shape-based separation.
• Further research into shape-based separation is essential for advancing particle production and material science.