Miniaturization of Chemical Reactions to Chip Scale

Context

High-Throughput Screening (HTS), or high-productivity experimentation, plays a fundamental role in the development of industrial catalysts and in the optimization of reaction conditions. Its application is especially relevant in the design of carbon-neutral chemical processes, such as the fixation of CO₂ into C₂ molecules (for example, ethanol). However, current methods present limitations in optimizing operating parameters, particularly in reactions where phase changes coexist (gas–liquid–solid).

For HTS to be fully viable, it is necessary to carry out multiple reactions simultaneously, which requires the miniaturization of chemical reactors. This miniaturization process must preserve scalability between on-chip experimental conditions and larger-scale conditions, while ensuring control of critical variables such as pressure, temperature, and mass balance in a reduced-dimension environment.

Opportunity

Advance the design and engineering of miniaturized reactors that enable high-productivity testing in chemical processes relevant to decarbonization. This technological line can significantly accelerate the development of new CO₂ conversion pathways and the validation of operating conditions, contributing to substantial reductions in research time and cost.

What we are looking for

Proposals focused on miniaturized reactor engineering and their integration into HTS systems for multiphase or gas-phase reactions relevant to decarbonization. Examples include CO₂ conversion to C₂ molecules (e.g., ethanol), gas-phase reactions such as RWGS, and other carbon-reduction processes.  

Proposals should address mass balance, pressure and temperature control, and product analysis—without requiring catalyst development.

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