Modular, High-Temperature Reactor

Fraunhofer ICT-IMM has developed an innovative modular reactor for continuous flow synthesis that is designed for the synthesis of nanoparticles at elevated temperatures. The reactor is able to withstand liquid-phase reactions of up to 400°C. Standard hot injection synthesis protocols for the synthesis of nanomaterials can be transferred from a batch to a continuous process. The central part of our reactor is a microfluidic mixer  developed by Fraunhofer ICT-IMM and a temperaturecontrolled delay element. Integrated optical flow-through cells allow for in-situ optical detection at different positions and at high temperatures on location and thus lay a foundation for online process monitoring.

The modular design of the reactor allows it to be adapted to specific needs, since both the design and the construction are carried out at Fraunhofer ICT-IMM. Because of its compact size, the reactor module takes up little space in the laboratory or fume hood and can be integrated into already existing setups. Its design enables the transfer of batches to continuous processes, especially synthesis paths for nanoparticles that require higher temperatures and fast mixing (hot injection). These conditions are usually available in high quality during the synthesis of  monodisperse nanoparticles. Examples for this are organometallic syntheses such as those used for CdSe quantum dots, Pt and other metallic nanoparticles or oxide metals.

With our knowhow in continuous flow chemistry, microreaction technology and plant engineering, this reactor represents the centerpiece of a complete, customized system in laboratory scale for the synthesis of nanomaterials. We offer tailored services with regard to the design and construction of prototypes or feasibility studies while taking customer needs and specifications into consideration.