Catalysis and Analytical Chemistry

Our multidisciplinary team has expertise in catalysis, polymer science, small-molecule synthesis, microfluidics, microfabrication, mass spectrometry, microengineering, statistical analysis, and chemical engineering, to rapidly accelerate the discovery and development of a catalysis process using combinatorial techniques. We can function independently or as an extension of your team and facilities. We offer market advantages of exclusivity, confidentiality, and rapid results at a competitive price.

The group has more than 25 years of experience working with government and commercial clients. We have also extensively analyzed scientific and business trends in the chemical industry. Our combined laboratory and business-related experience provides us with an awareness of emerging technologies. Our team has extensive experience in the following areas:

• Combinatorial Chemistry
  • Combinatorial discovery and optimization of catalysts
  • New high-throughput tools for catalyst and materials characterization
• Polymerization Catalysts
  • Improved single-site, Ziegler-Natta, and cationic catalysts for olefin (co)polymerizations
  • Design and synthesis of polymers with improved properties
• Hydrocarbon Conversion Catalysts
  • Selective oxidation of alkanes and alkenes
  • Development of improved catalysts for coal conversions, petrolueum and heavy oil upgrading and hydrotreating, co-processing of coal, heavy oils, plastics, and waste materials
• Light Gas Conversions and Separations
  • Catalysts for conversions of CO or CO2 into alcohols and higher hydrocarbons
  • Methane conversions and dehydrogenation reactions
• Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Fate
  • Environmental remediation, including hydrothermal oxidation, electrochemical oxidation, and in situ electrochemical bioremediation
  • Analysis of drugs, drug formulations, and application of analytical methods to chemicals in complex matrices

Facilities

State-of-the-art facilities, coupled with the expertise of our team, ensure world class results:

• Fully automated Nautilus 2400 combinatorial synthesizer (Argonaut Technologies, Inc.)
• Microfabrication facility equipped with state-of-the-art masking and chemical etching technology
• Polymerization autoclaves (300 mL to 2-L Magnedrive autoclaves) modified for injection of air-sensitive polymerization catalysts
• Infrared and CCD cameras dedicated to combinatorial catalyst development
• Various SRI-built robotic microfluidic dispensers based on inkjet technologies

Contact Us

For more information about SRI's Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory, contact:

Robert Wilson
650-859-5954
e-mail: robert.b.wilson@sri.com