Microfluidics is a field of science investigating processes and technologies for handling liquids in volumes in range of nano- to microliters. Thanks to the small volumes, precise control and manipulation of liquids is possible on a scale where surface forces prevail over volumetric ones. Microfluidics covers a wide spectrum of research applications and is firmly embedded in the trends towards miniaturization and automation of systems.

Our team’s research consists of several main points. First, we developed the design of microchannel chips, inside which there are electrodes dedicated to electrochemical measurements. Next, we are working on a microchip holder. We are currently at the stage of subsequent iterations of the holder design and testing of microfluidic chips.

In the UPTURN project, we work on the concept of a demonstrator called “DEMO 2” based on a TiO2 photoanode. A potential application is removing organic pollutants from aqueous solutions. Under the illumination of light of a specific wavelength, the titanium oxide photoanode generates reactive oxygen molecules, such as hydroxyl radicals, which are strong oxidants beneficial for the decomposition processes of organic compounds. Due to its short lifetime, it cannot be accumulated, so to use its properties, it must be produced in situ.

One of the tasks carried out in the UPTURN project is the development of a microfluidic cell demonstrator for electrochemical measurements intended for the characterization of membranes and other separators in a liquid environment. This system allows for measurements of resistance/conductivity, permeability, and selectivity of membranes. It is addressed particularly to the energy industry (flow electrolytes for redox batteries, liquid fuel cells, and batteries) and other electrochemical processes.