Microporous Silica Structures for the Immobilisation of Catalysts and Enhancement of Electroosmotic Flow (EOF) in Micro-Reactors

Abstract

Since the first work into miniaturisation technology by the micro-electronics industry, many branches of science have continued to follow this trend with the production of micro-sized instruments, one notable example was the manufacture of a miniature GC by Terry et al [1] in 1979. However it has only recently become apparent that the name micro-chip does not only apply to those devices found within complex computers and simple wrist watches. The name has also been taken by analytical chemists to describe a miniature appliance capable of performing the functions of a macro-scale system, whilst only a few centimetres in size. This “lab-on-a-chip” concept stems from the idea of the total analysis system (TAS). These complicated instruments which employ the capabilities of an entire lab, i.e. sampling, storage, pre-treatment, analysis, detection and data evaluation initiated the production of the micro-TAS (μ-TAS). These miniature total analysis systems embody the functions of the TAS whilst providing faster sample processing, higher efficiency and lower reagent consumption than conventional TAS. In addition, μ-TAS allow in-situ measurement due to their reduced dimensions and portability.