RESUMEN
Microfluidic technology provides a unique environment for the investigation of crystallization processes at the nano or meso scale. The convenient operation and precise control of process parameters, at these scales of operation enabled by microfluidic devices, are attracting significant and increasing attention in the field of crystallization. In this paper, developments and applications of microfluidics in crystallization research including: crystal nucleation and growth, polymorph and cocrystal screening, preparation of nanocrystals, solubility and metastable zone determination, are summarized and discussed. The materials used in the construction and the structure of these microfluidic devices are also summarized and methods for measuring and modelling crystal nucleation and growth process as well as the enabling analytical methods are also briefly introduced. The low material consumption, high efficiency and precision of microfluidic crystallizations are of particular significance for active pharmaceutical ingredients, proteins, fine chemicals, and nanocrystals. Therefore, it is increasingly adopted as a mainstream technology in crystallization research and development.
RESUMEN
Owing to its strong reducing ability, high reaction activity, excellent adsorption properties, good mobility and relatively low cost, nano zerovalent iron (nZVI) is an extremely promising nanomaterial for use in water treatment. In this paper, the working mechanisms of nZVI in the degradation of various contaminants in water are outlined and discussed. Synthesis methods and their respective advantages and disadvantages are discussed in detail. Furthermore, a variety of modification methods which have been developed to improve the mobility and stability of nZVI as well as to facilitate the separation of nZVI from degraded systems are also summarized and discussed. Numerous studies indicate that nZVI has considerable potential to become an efficient, versatile and practical approach for large-scale water treatment.