Bicontinuous interfacially jammed emulsion gels (bijels) as an emerging class of soft materials have shown to be of interest in many applications including energy storage, tissue engineering, separation, and catalysis. The experimental investigation on bijels is still in its infancy due to fabrication challenges. In this study, we explore the possibility of bijels formation from various types of oils including fatty acid oleic acid and photopolymer poly(ethylene) glycol diacrylate using solvent transfer-induced phase separation (STRIPS). Various surfactants and nanoparticles in different sizes are used in our systems to investigate their effect on bijels stability. Confocal and light microscopy images show that resulting gels are bicontinuous and their rheological behavior and viscoelasticity are characterized as shear-thinning gels. Results illustrate the capability to use a wide variety of immiscible liquid combinations, particles, and surfactant for production of remarkably stable bijels, paving the way for widespread application of these attractive soft matters.

Phase study of bicontinuous interfacially jammed emulsion gels (bijel) via solvent transfer

ACS Spring 2022

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