Microfluidic Synthesis of Carbon-Based Nanomaterials

Carbon stands out as an exceptionally versatile element, manifesting in various forms such as diamond, graphite, carbon fiber, fullerene, carbon nanodots, and so on. Leveraging its exceptional mechanical strength, thermal, optical, and density properties, carbon-based materials find widespread applications in industries, spanning from health, electronics, and defense to nanotechnology. The fabrication of diverse carbon materials can be achieved through a range of methods, including wet spinning, top-down and bottom-up approaches like chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and conventional sol-gel processes. In the last decades, the application of microfluidics in synthesizing carbon materials has gained prominence, owing to its superior heat and mass transfer capabilities, minimal chemical requirements, and the ability to create multiplexed and adaptable structures. This chapter provides an in-depth exploration of both conventional and microfluidic fabrication techniques for various carbon-based materials. Herein, an emphasis is placed on elucidating the advantages and limitations faced by these methods, providing a comprehensive overview of the evolving landscape in carbon material synthesis.