Method of producing a multi-microchannel, flow-through element and device using same

Abstract

A method of producing a multi-microchannel, flow-through element, including the steps of providing a body of material, and producing multiple microchannels within the body, wherein the microchannels extend through the body to produce a multi-microchannel, flow-through element. Such an element can be used as a micromixer, a sensor element, a filter, a fuel element or a chromatographic element.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method of producing a multi-microchannel, flow-through element for use as a micromixer, sensor element, filter, fuel element or chromatographic element, including the steps of:
 providing a solid body of material;   melting said body of material in a gas atmosphere such that at least one gas in said gas atmosphere dissolves in the resulting melt to form a material/gas liquid solution having a given concentration of said at least one gas therein; and   producing multiple microchannels within said body by cooling said melt, while controlling solidification pressure, speed and direction, to allow dissolved gas to nucleate and grow gas bubbles that together with solidifying material produce said microchannels in the again solidified material of said body, wherein said microchannels extend through said body to produce said multi-microchannel, flow-through element.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said multi-microchannels with an immobilized natural or artificial catalyst are used for construction a biocathode or bioanode element for biofuel cell.