Controlling the structure of emulsions with magnetic particles

What is it about?

This paper presents computer simulations of a special type of emulsion called a bijel - short for bicontinuous interfacially jammed emulsion gel. Bijels form when two liquids separate (like oil and water) and small particles attach to the interface between them. The particles stabilize the interface, creating an intertwined structure of both fluids. These structures can be used as templates for porous materials such as filters, battery electrodes, or tissue scaffolds. But how well they work depends on the internal structure, for example the presence of channels. The paper presents computer simulations that show how the structure changes when the particles are magnetic and influenced by an external magnetic field.

Featured Image

Photo by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash

Photo by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Understanding how the structure of emulsions can be controlled helps scientists design and fabricate better templates for porous materials for specific applications such as water filtration, rechargeable batteries, or medical implants. The research shows that it is possible to modify the structure of emulsions by choosing ellipsoid particle shapes and applying magnetic fields.