Enhanced Displacement of Phase Separating Liquid Mixtures in 2D Confined Spaces

Displacing liquids in a confined space is important for technological processes ranging from porous membrane separation to CO2 sequestration. The liquid be displaced usually consists of multiple components with different solubilities the displacing liquid. Phase and chemical composition gradients can influence displacement rate. In this work, we investigate effects on process ternary mixtures quasi-2D microchannel where liquid–liquid phase occurs concurrently. We focused model containing 1-octanol (a oil), ethanol good solvent), water poor solvent). These are or an aqueous solution. As comparison, some experiments, was by mixtures. bright-field fluorescence imaging measurements reveal distinct behaviors. spatial distribution subphases arising rates solution impacted initial composition. boundary between changes defined interface diffusive as reduced. rate also varies non-linearly slowest arises at intermediate concentration, stable three-zone configuration forms boundary. At very low fast, associated droplet formation motion driven concentration formed during separation. excess energy provided may contribute enhanced high concentrations but not enhancement induced flow confinement. knowledge gained study highlights importance manipulating enhance mass transport confinement wide range processes.