<< A unique, versatile, and material-independent approach to manipulate contactlessly and merge two chemically distinct droplets suspended in an acoustic levitator is reported. Large-amplitude axial oscillations are induced in the top droplet by low-frequency amplitude modulation of the ultrasonic carrier wave, which causes the top sample to merge with the sample in the pressure minimum below. The levitator is enclosed within a pressure-compatible process chamber to enable control of the environmental conditions. The merging technique permits precise control of the substances affecting the chemical reactions, the sample temperature, the volumes of the liquid reactants down to the picoliter range, and the mixing locations in space and time. >>
Stephen J. Brotton, Ralf I. Kaiser.
Controlled Chemistry via Contactless Manipulation and Merging of Droplets in an Acoustic Levitator. Anal. Chem. 2020, 92, 12, 8371–8377. doi: 10.1021/ acs.analchem.0c00929. Jun 1, 2020.
Levitating droplets allow scientists to perform 'touchless' chemical reactions. American Chemical Society. Jun 24, 2020.
