Combinatorial Chemistry
UOP has developed a groundbreaking combinatorial approach to heterogeneous
catalyst and materials discovery, through the use of both internal
research and external collaborations (SINTEF, NovoDynamics, US Dept.
of Commerce Advanced Technology Program, Striatus, Penn State University,
and the Illinois Institute of Technology). The key aspect of this approach
is the process in which multiple levels of investigation are linked
through rigorous validation procedures.
Combinatorial material synthesis is linked to conventional laboratory procedure
through synthesis and characterization of known and novel materials. Combinatorial
screening assays are then linked to more realistic conventional laboratory tests
on scaled-up samples. Finally, laboratory-scale studies are linked to commercial
testing procedures.
UOP researchers are able to keep the discovery process focused through our systematic
experiment planning. This planning makes full use of both feedback from the different
levels of testing, as well as molecular and empirical models of material properties
that are refined throughout the experimentation process.
In addition, we have established an advanced set of tools for high throughput
characterization. This allows the properties of catalyst and materials libraries
to be linked both to preparation variables and performance in various applications.
This exciting new process has already led to the identification of a new UOP
product, PI-242 catalyst, which was successfully commercialized in 2003.
To find out more about UOP’s specific research efforts, click on the links
below.
Exploratory Research
New Materials
Advanced Characterization
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