User:TannerJamesHill/Open microfluidics
Zero Gravity (Microgravity) Fluidics
[edit]In extraterrestrial conditions, such as zero gravity (also called microgravity), fluid dynamics are controlled via the geometry and wetting properties within the system.[1] In microgravity, surface tension is the dominant force because buoyancy effects become negligible. In microfluidic conditions surface tension forces are also dominating. Both microgravity and microfluidics are also controlled through adhesion between the liquid and the cavity wall.[2] Therefore, microfluidics are highly applicable for fluidic transport, handling, or other processes in microgravity.[3] Beverage cups, carbon dioxide removal, life support systems, water recycling, and more can utilize capillary flow for operation in space.[4][5] Capillary forces also allow for effortless and complete drainage of storage tanks and fuel tanks. This is more efficient in both weight reduction and complete usage of resources.[2] Astronauts are exposed to several conditions that inevitably make them more likely to become sick. Research is being done on performing molecular diagnostic tests in space.[6]
Fuel cells
[edit]Further information: Electroosmotic pump
Microfluidic fuel cells (MFCs) use laminar flow to separate the fuel and its oxidant to control the interactions without the physical barrier that conventional fuel cells require.[7][8] Using a liquid membrane can lead to clogging of the device. With laminar flow, build up is washed away.[8] NASA has used alkaline fuel cells since the mid-1960s. These rely on a porous matrix saturated with an aqueous alkaline solution which benefits from having a laminar flow. The ability to closely tailor the flow of two or more liquids and the diffusion limited reaction rate of laminar flow allow microfluidic biofuel cells, which use enzymes or microorganisms to convert chemical to electrical energy, to operate more efficiently as well.[9][10] Tailoring the anolyte and catholyte compositions also enables the optimization of enzymatic activity and stability.[9]
Other fuels used in microfluidic fuel cells include vanadium species, hydrogen, hydrocarbons, hydrogen peroxide, borohydride, glucose, methanol, formic acid, and nitrogenous materials.[10][11] In some devices, a single pass, 100% of these fuels can be utilized.[11] Vanadium MFCs can be fabricated by rapid prototyping costing only $2 each.[12] The major downside is their toxicity making them dangerous in commercial and portable electronics.[11] Stacking the cells can increase the working voltage. Each one provides ~1.2 V. Borohydride and hydrazine MFCs however provide ~1.6 V.[11] There is still considerable research to be done towards optimization, miniaturization, cost efficiency and determining the conditions in which the cells can operate and in which they operate most effectively.
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[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Weislogel, Mark M.; Baker, J. Alex; Jenson, Ryan M. (2011-09-23). "Quasi-steady capillarity-driven flows in slender containers with interior edges". Journal of Fluid Mechanics. 685: 271–305. doi:10.1017/jfm.2011.314. ISSN 1469-7645.
- ^ a b Nijhuis, Job; Schmidt, Svenja; Tran, Nam Nghiep; Hessel, Volker (2022). "Microfluidics and Macrofluidics in Space: ISS-Proven Fluidic Transport and Handling Concepts". Frontiers in Space Technologies. 2. doi:10.3389/frspt.2021.779696/full. ISSN 2673-5075.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link) - ^ Du, Jing; Zeng, Lin; Yu, Zitong; Chen, Sihui; Chen, Xi; Zhang, Yi; Yang, Hui (2022-01-14). "A magnetically enabled simulation of microgravity represses the auxin response during early seed germination on a microfluidic platform". Microsystems & Nanoengineering. 8 (1): 1–13. doi:10.1038/s41378-021-00331-5. ISSN 2055-7434.
- ^ Weislogel, M. M. (2019). "Passive No Moving Parts Capillary Solutions for Spacecraft Life Support Systems" (PDF). 49th International Conference on Environmental Systems ICES-2019-203,.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link) - ^ Viestenz, K. J (2018). "Capillary Structures for Exploration Life Support Payload Experiment" (PDF). 48th International Conference on Environmental Systems ICES-2018-241.
- ^ Wong, Season (2020-01-02). "Diagnostics in space: will zero gravity add weight to new advances?". Expert Review of Molecular Diagnostics. 20 (1): 1–4. doi:10.1080/14737159.2020.1699061. ISSN 1473-7159. PMC 7004879. PMID 31774344.
{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: PMC format (link) - ^ "Water management system for PEM fuel cells". Fuel Cells Bulletin. 4 (32): 14. 2001. doi:10.1016/s1464-2859(01)80181-4. ISSN 1464-2859.
- ^ a b "Building a Better Fuel Cell Using Microfluidics". www.aps.org. Retrieved 2022-04-21.
- ^ a b Kjeang, Erik; Djilali, Ned; Sinton, David (2009-01-15). "Microfluidic fuel cells: A review". Journal of Power Sources. 186 (2): 353–369. doi:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2008.10.011. ISSN 0378-7753.
- ^ a b Safdar, M.; Jänis, J.; Sánchez, S. (2016). "Microfluidic fuel cells for energy generation". Lab on a Chip. 16 (15): 2754–2758. doi:10.1039/C6LC90070D.
- ^ a b c d Wang, Yifei; Luo, Shijing; Kwok, Holly Y. H.; Pan, Wending; Zhang, Yingguang; Zhao, Xiaolong; Leung, Dennis Y. C. (2021-05-01). "Microfluidic fuel cells with different types of fuels: A prospective review". Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews. 141: 110806. doi:10.1016/j.rser.2021.110806. ISSN 1364-0321.
- ^ Kjeang, Erik; Michel, Raphaelle; Harrington, David A.; Djilali, Ned; Sinton, David (2008-03-01). "A Microfluidic Fuel Cell with Flow-Through Porous Electrodes". Journal of the American Chemical Society. 130 (12): 4000–4006. doi:10.1021/ja078248c. ISSN 0002-7863.