Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 24, 2026
11:03
Particle Templated Emulsification enables Microfluidic-Free Droplet Assays
Published on: March 9, 2021
6.9K
Phase-field models for particle-stabilized emulsions
Elisabeth C Eij1,2, Joost de Graaf2, Martin F Haase1
1Van 't Hoff Laboratory for Physical and Colloid Chemistry, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
The Journal of Chemical Physics
|March 23, 2026
Summary
A new phase-field model enables efficient, large-scale simulations of particle-stabilized emulsions. This computational approach reveals how nanoparticle concentration influences the morphology of emulsion gels, reducing domain size at higher concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Soft matter science
- Colloid and interface science
- Computational physics
Background:
- Particle-stabilized emulsions are crucial in soft matter.
- Current simulations are limited by spatiotemporal scales.
- Individual particle resolution is computationally expensive.
Purpose of the Study:
- Introduce a novel phase-field framework for simulating emulsions.
- Enable computationally efficient, large-scale dynamic studies.
- Investigate nanoparticle influence on emulsion morphology.
Main Methods:
- Developed a phase-field theory framework.
- Simulated large-scale dynamics by evolving continuous fields.
- Modeled bicontinuous interfacially jammed emulsion gel (bijel) formation via solvent-transfer-induced phase separation (STrIPS).
Main Results:
- The phase-field model allows efficient simulation of large-scale emulsion dynamics.
- Higher nanoparticle concentrations reduce the average domain size in STrIPS bijels.
- Successfully characterized the influence of nanoparticles on emulsion morphology.
Conclusions:
- The phase-field model offers a computationally efficient alternative for emulsion simulation.
- Provides insights into nanoparticle-morphology relationships in particle-stabilized emulsions.
- Represents a promising tool for investigating complex emulsion systems.
Related Concept Videos
01:29The Colloidal State
97
The formation of a colloidal system is exemplified by an aqueous solution containing Cl− ions is introduced to another containing Ag+ ions, resulting in the precipitation of solid AgCl as extremely tiny crystals. Instead of settling out as a filterable precipitate, these crystals remain suspended in the liquid, showcasing a colloidal system.A colloidal system involves colloidal particles within the approximate range of 1 to 1000 nm in at least one dimension, dispersed in a medium called...
97
01:34The Fluid Mosaic Model
184.1K
The fluid mosaic model was first proposed as a visual representation of research observations. The model comprises the composition and dynamics of membranes and serves as a foundation for future membrane-related studies. The model depicts the structure of the plasma membrane with a variety of components, which include phospholipids, proteins, and carbohydrates. These integral molecules are loosely bound, defining the cell’s border and providing fluidity for optimal function.
184.1K
01:24Electrochemical Systems
60
Electrochemical systems provide a fascinating insight into the dynamic interplay of charged species within various phases. One notable example is the interaction between a membrane permeable to K⁺ ions but not to Cl⁻ ions, separating an aqueous KCl solution from pure water. As K⁺ ions diffuse through the membrane, they generate net charges on each phase, leading to a potential difference between them.Similarly, when a piece of Zn is immersed in an aqueous ZnSO₄ solution,...
60
01:09Theories of Dissolution: The Danckwerts' Model and Interfacial Barrier Model
898
Various dissolution theories provide insight into the factors that influence the dissolution rate. Danckwerts' Model suggests that turbulence, rather than a stagnant layer, characterizes the dissolution medium at the solid-liquid interface. In this model, the agitated solvent contains macroscopic packets that move to the interface via eddy currents, facilitating the absorption and delivery of the drug to the bulk solution. The regular replenishment of solvent packets maintains the...
898
01:30The Electrical Double Layer
117
In the region where two bulk phases meet, an intricate electric charge distribution arises due to charge transfer, ion adsorption, molecular orientation, and charge distortion. This complex distribution is commonly referred to as the electrical double layer.When a solid electrode interfaces with ions in an electrolyte solution, the speed of electron transfer dictates the rates of oxidation and reduction. The electrode acquires a charge through the escape of atoms into the solution as cations or...
117