The research unit "Assessing and Controlling Dynamic Local Process Conditions in Microreactors via Novel Integrated Microsensors" (ProMiSe) works on the development of miniaturized sensors and their integration in microreactors. A larger understanding of the dynamics of local processes in such systems is to be achieved by means of experimental analysis and precise modeling. These insights will eventually be instrumental in improving the control over processes to achieve higher product quality, increase the output, etc. The research is focused on evaporation processes, multiphase catalysis, photochemistry and nanoparticle synthesis.
The interview decribes the recent progress on investigation of microevaporators of the subproject "Modeling, metrological characterization and active control of evaporation processes in microchannel systems" within the research unit ProMiSe. Nima Samkhaniani (ISTM, KIT) and Mark Schepperle (IMTEK, University Freiburg) explain the project goals, realization and challenges of numerical and experimental investigations for a single channel microevaporator-device. They show the manufacturing process including clean-room manufacturing, sensor design and also the details of corresponging numerical simulation, where the nucleation bubble formation is captured.
NEWS
Seminar on "Adjoint Methods for CFD-based Optimization"
The seminar on adjoint optimization methods, organized by ProMiSe, successfully brought together experts, researchers, and young talents in the field. By exploring the potential applications of adjoint optimization, the seminar aimed to drive innovation and improve the efficiency of microreactors. The event's focus on knowledge exchange, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the participation of distinguished speakers underscored the significance of adjoint optimization methods in advancing the field of microreactors towards a more sustainable and efficient future.
Best Paper Award for Laura Trinkies and Moritz Döring
The award went to Laura Trinkies (IMVT, KIT) and Moritz Döring (Institute of Microsystems Engineering, University of Freiburg) for their joint contribution "Sensor-based microreactors: Modern methods for multi-analyte detection in hydrogen peroxide direct synthesis in microstructured reactors" at the 8th HybridSensorNet Symposium 2021 "Innovative sensor technology, distributed sensor systems, new technologies and application fields". Congratulations to both of them!
Workshop "Equality vs. Equity"
Eleven young female researchers from more than six countries received the opportunity to take part in the second part of the workshop on "Equality vs. Equity" with Nicole Günther. This time, the the workshop was conducted in person in the surroundings of the palatine forests and was focused on body language. During the seminar, awareness for non-verbal communication was raised in practical exercises. The breaks offered the participants a chance to strengthen their networks with other female, early-career scientists. The second part of the day then focussed on stress management and presentation techniques, which were introduced by sound theoretical principals by the coach and afterwards put into practise.
SENFLOW-Symposium 2021
Click on the banner for SENFLOW program flyer
The Research Unit ProMiSe funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG - FOR 2383 ), aims to investigate and develop new micro reactors that take advantages of the unique opportunities offered by in-situ sensors. In the first SENFLOW-Symposium on Sensors for Flow Chemistry on the 6th and 7th of October in Freiburg and Online within the frame of the project, we would like to bring together leading researchers and industry practitioners in the field of flow chemistry and sensors and especially give young researchers a platform to present their work to invited world-leading scientists.
Sessions on Micro Sensors, Heterogeneous Catalysis, Nanoparticle Synthesis, Micro Systems Construction, Photochemistry and Modelling & Simulation will be available, all hosted by renowned researchers from the respective field. For more information, please visit https://promise-conf.org/
Participation is free of charge for online participants.
Online-Workshop "Research Data Management (RDM)"
On the 11th of June, a half-day online workshop on the topic of research data management was held as part of the project. The approximately 40 participants from the individual sub-projects and the various institutes affiliated with the project were able to inform themselves and exchange information in five presentations and several discussion rounds on the topics of research data management in general (Dr. Kerstin Wedlich-Zachodin, KIT Library), the use and structure of an electronic laboratory book, data publication with the help of repositories (both Dr. Nicole Jung, IOC) and the available data management services at KIT (Dr. Felix Bach, SCC). Finally, parts of this were summarised in a hands-on contribution by Francesco Secchi (ISTM). During the workshop, the participants had the opportunity to expand their knowledge of existing offerings and practices in research data management, and through the lively discussions, open questions were identified. The workshop was organized and conducted by Dr Alexander Stroh (ISTM).
Online-Workshop “Equality vs. Equity”
Within the project, the female researchers of the project group took part in a dedicated online workshop on the topic of "Equality vs. Equity" with Ms Nicole Günther on 3rd of November 2020. Ms Günther is a professional freelance trainer and consultant with a special focus on diversity, corporate culture and body language. Due to the current corona situation, the second scheduled workshop day for the respective practical exercises had to be postponed, unfortunately. However, the scientists are optimistic and look forward to a catch-up date in spring 2021!
Workshop "Cross Cultural Competencies"
Competence at the level of intercultural communication is considered an important soft skill in today's globalized world. In order to consolidate and expand these, the researchers of the project association attended the workshop "Cross Cultural Competencies" by Dr. iur. Katarzyna Schubert-Panecka on October 14, 2020.
As a scientific and business mediator, trainer and business coach, Ms. Schubert-Panecka offered her many years of experience on the topics of intercultural competence and constructive conflict management. The participants were given an understanding of concepts of action, such as Non-violent Communication. Furthermore, a change of perspective, influenced by Anais Nan's quote "We don't see things as they are. We see them as we are." was encouraged and inspired. Though corona protection measures had been taken, interactive aspects and hands-on lessons could also be beneficially integrated into the workshop.
Modelling and Simulation workshop
On the 27th and 28th of February, Dr. Alexander Stroh organized and held a two-day workshop on the general concepts of Modelling and Simulation and the application of these topics to our field of research. Special focus was also put on a hands-on introduction to the basics of OpenFoam and also the validation of generated simulation results. Each of the subprojects introduced some individual aspects of modelling and simulation in their research, and discussed further during poster sessions. The workshop was accompanied by several external talks. Prof. Claire Adjiman from Imperial College London gave a public keynote talk on “Molecular Systems Engineering” and discussed a couple of case studies to show methods for optimizing the process from molecular discovery to its application. Prof. Adjiman also hosted a roundtable discussion for female researchers on how to tackle specific challenges facing this target group in the professional world. The Karlsruhe House of Young Scientists gave an overview of the funding opportunities young researchers can apply for to finance their scientific work overseas, and other support they provide to young researchers. The Research Data Management Team of KIT offered an additional talk about the options and infrastructure available at KIT to store, save and share the data created in the project.
Laura Trinkies and Bradley Ladewig assisted with the organization of the event, and a summary video (https://youtu.be/rbbHpxj1RGg) and some impressions from several participants (https://youtu.be/vT4S1fz8RDI) are available.
Research stay at Adschiri Lab, AIMR, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan (Feb - April 2019)
By the beginning of February 2019, Christian Schüßler, a PhD student of subproject 4, went to the group of Prof. Dr. Tadafumi Adschiri at the Tohoku University in Sendai, Japan. He stayed there for a research project of three months. Prof. Adschiri developed the so-called process of continuous hydrothermal synthesis (CHTS) for the production of metaloxide nanoparticles with supercritical water in the early 90s. The scientists of Adschiri Lab have a long-time experience about the CHTS process. This enables a fast transfer of knowledge as well as international collaborations and future cooperations are promoted. During the stay a pilot plant for the synthesis of metaloxide nanoparticles was planned, constructed and characterized. The research project was focussed on the kinetic investigations of the particle formation with respect to different metal salts as precursors.
Compared to Germany, life in Japan is way different, in both cultural and daily aspects. Apart from the work in the lab the variety of food and the coexistence of places of worship and the modern part of the cities were impressive.
DFG Research Unit "ProMiSe" enters the second round
On 2 July, the DFG Main Committee approved the continuation of DFG Research Unit 2383 "Assessing and Controlling Dynamic Local Process Conditions in Microreactors via Novel Integrated Microsensors (ProMiSe)" for a further three years. The Research Unit is being launched with four subprojects across locations in Karlsruhe and Freiburg in the second funding phase, which begins on 1 August. The focus is on multiphase systems in microchannels in evaporation, heterogeneous catalysis, photochemistry and nanoparticle synthesis. Microsensors and microoptical analysis systems are used to monitor these processes space- and time-resolved. Furthermore, model-based process control and process guidance shall be demonstrated based on the local data.
By the beginning of February 2019, Christian Schüßler, a PhD student of subproject 4, went to the group of Prof. Dr. Tadafumi Adschiri at the Tohoku University in Sendai, Japan. He stayed there for a research project of three months. Prof. Adschiri developed the so-called process of continuous hydrothermal synthesis (CHTS) for the production of metaloxide nanoparticles with supercritical water in the early 90s. The scientists of Adschiri Lab have a long-time experience about the CHTS process. This enables a fast transfer of knowledge as well as international collaborations and future cooperations are promoted. During the stay a pilot plant for the synthesis of metaloxide nanoparticles was planned, constructed and characterized. The research project was focussed on the kinetic investigations of the particle formation with respect to different metal salts as precursors.