Compositions and methods for forming emulsions
The present invention generally relates to compositions and methods for forming droplets and/or emulsions. In some embodiments, the compositions and methods comprise two or more components miscible at a first temperature and immiscible at a second temperature, dispersed in an outer phase.
1. A method of forming an emulsion, comprising:
adjusting the temperature of a fluid to a first temperature, wherein the fluid at the first temperature comprises an outer phase and a second phase immiscible in the outer phase, wherein the second phase comprises a first component and a second component that are miscible with each other;
after adjusting the temperature of the fluid to the first temperature, emulsifying the fluid thereby forming a droplet comprising the first component and the second component, the droplet dispersed within the outer phase; and
after emulsifying the fluid, adjusting the temperature of the fluid to a second temperature, such that the first component and the second component within the droplet become immiscible.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first temperature is greater than an upper consolute temperature of the two or more components.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the second temperature is less than an upper consolute temperature of the two or more components.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first temperature is less than the second temperature.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the first temperature is less than a lower consolute temperature of the two or more components.
6. The method of claim 4 , wherein the second temperature is greater than a lower consolute temperature of the two or more components.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the two or more components comprises a hydrocarbon, a fluorocarbon, a silicone, a thermotropic liquid crystal, water, an ionic liquid, or combinations thereof.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein each of the two or more components is a liquid.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the temperature of the fluid to the second temperature is adjusted such that the two or more components comprise a first component and a second component at least partially encapsulated within the first component.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein emulsifying the fluid comprises emulsifying the fluid after adjusting the temperature of a fluid to the first temperature.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the outer phase is an aqueous phase.
12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the outer phase comprises a surfactant.
13. The method of claim 1 , wherein the outer phase is a non-aqueous phase.
14. The method of claim 1 , wherein after adjusting the temperature of the fluid to the second temperature, the droplet is a Janus droplet.