Services & Facilities
The SwissCAT+ East platform features multiple robotic systems for the automated synthesis of catalysts using state-of-the-art methodologies. These are complemented by high-throughput batch and fixed-bed reactors for catalytic performance evaluation under a wide range of conditions, as well as a suite of characterization tools to correlate activity with structural and physicochemical properties.
We integrate these capabilities with advanced AI/ML tools, including the Atinary SDLabs Bayesian Optimizer and custom in-house algorithms, to rationally design experiments across vast parameter spaces and accelerate the discovery and optimization of catalyst formulations and process conditions.
You can explore our platform’s capabilities in more detail below
- Chemspeed CatPrep
- Unchained Labs Big Kahuna
- Unchained Labs Big Kahuna (in glovebox)
- Hobersal Vacuum/Controlled-Atmosphere Oven
- Hanon Tank 40 (Microwave Reactor)
- Zinsser Liquid Dispenser
In-House Inorganic Structural Characterization Techniques
- Bruker D8 Discover
- LA-ICP-MS (ESI 213 – Agilent 7900)
- BELSORP MAX X (BET & adsorption)
- Netzsch Pulse TGA/DSC-MS
In-House Organic Compositonal Characterization Techniques
- Agilent GC-MS-FID with apolar columns
- Shimadzu GC-MS/FID with polar columns
- Agilent 1260 Infinity II UPLC/GPC
Support for Advanced Characterization Techniques with external partners
If you’re interested in learning more or working with us, feel free to contact Dr. Paco Laveille at or submit a Download project request form (DOCX, 53 KB). We’ll be happy to schedule a meeting to discuss your needs, present our services, and walk you through the typical project process.
You can find the current approved hourly rates per equipment here.
Automated synthesis platforms
Our synthesis lab supports both conventional and air-sensitive catalyst preparations in a fully automated, high-throughput environment. We can replicate standard protocols (impregnation, precipitation, solvothermal, etc.) or customize new ones, all with traceability, reproducibility, and scalability in mind.
Chemspeed CatPrep
Automated synthesis of non–air-sensitive catalysts: from liquid/solid dispensing to centrifugation, washing, drying, activation. Handles vials (2, 8, 20 mL), multi-plates, barcoded tracking.
Unchained Labs Big Kahuna
Automated synthesis of non–air-sensitive catalysts and high-precision automated powder dispensing for preparing samples and dosing reactors (repeatability ~ ±0.2 mg).
Unchained Labs Big Kahuna (in glovebox)
Robotic platform for air-sensitive syntheses: inert atmosphere, precise dosing, stirring, filtration, reaction modules all within the glovebox.
Hobersal Vacuum/Controlled-Atmosphere Oven
Thermal treatments including calcination or activation under controlled gases; up to 1050 °C and vacuum to 10⁻² mbar.
Hanon Tank 40 (Microwave Reactor)
Parallel microwave hydro/solvothermal synthesis supports up to 24 × 110 mL or 40 × 70 mL vessels, up to 300 °C, 15 MPa
Zinsser Liquid Dispenser
Liquid handling for sample preparation (e.g. chromatography vial)
High-throughput fixed-bed and batch reactors
SwissCAT+ East hosts a diverse suite of high-throughput batch reactor platforms to evaluate catalytic materials across a wide range of chemistries, conditions, and throughput needs. These systems enable robust and reproducible performance testing under both industrially
relevant and discovery-stage conditions, with full integration into our automated and AI-driven workflows.
Fixed-Bed Testing
Avantium Flowrence XR-1
- 16 parallel fixed-bed reactors arranged in four temperature zones
- Each reactor holds ~10–500 mg of catalyst
- Mixed feeds possible: up to five gases + one liquid
- Conditions up to 80 bar and 500 °C
- Two online gas chromatographs analyze permanent gases and up to C₁₆ hydrocarbons
- Autosampler to collect liquid phase for off-line anaylsis
- Fully automated, enabling 24/7 operation with high-accuracy data collection
Batch / Screening Reactors
Chemspeed SwingXL Autoplant
- Combines two microplate (MTP) reactors and six process development (PD) reactors
- Microplate block: various formats (48x2ml, 24x4ml) up to 150 °C and 80 bars,
- PD reactors: 6 individually control reactors, 100ml, up to 80 bar, automated feeding / sampling
- Integrated gas supply for H₂, CO, CO₂, custom mixtures
Air-Sensitive & Inert-Atmosphere Testing
Unchained Labs Big Kahuna (in a glovebox)
- 8*30ml individually control batch reactors
- Pressure control up to 50 bar, temperature up to 250 °C, stirring up to 1000 rpm
- Automated solid and liquid dispensing
- Integrated filtration, sampling, and barcoding for full traceability
HEL CAT96 (in glove box)
- Glass-vial microplate reactor (various formats, 48x2ml, 24x4ml..)
- Operation up to 250 °C and 100 bar
- Automated purging, recipe control, feedback, and data logging
ILS 96× Batch Reactor
- 96 individual glass reactors
- 2 blocks of 48, independently controlled Up to 80 bar, 180 °C
- Suitable for both conventional and air-sensitive catalysts
- Integration with robot-prepared vials and barcode tracking
Characterization Techniques
Characterization is the bridge between catalyst structure and performance. Our tools allow detailed insight into elemental composition, crystallinity, surface chemistry, and thermal behavior —enabling you to understand why a catalyst works (or doesn’t).
We offer both in-house techniques and access to advanced external facilities at ETH Zürich and beyond. Advanced methods like high-resolution electron microscopy, solid-state NMR, in-situ spectroscopy, and synchrotron beamlines are accessible via partner labs and ETH Zürich’s central facilities. We support sample prep, access, and data interpretation.
In-House Inorganic Structural Characterization Techniques
Bruker D8 Discover
- X-ray diffraction for powders, thin films, and bulk solids
- Phase identification and quantification, lattice parameters
- High-precision goniometer with flexible sample staging (incl. well plates)
- Rapid data acquisition with LYNXEYE XE-T detector
LA-ICP-MS (ESI 213 – Agilent 7900)
- Laserablation ICP-MS for elemental mapping and trace analysis of solids
- Minimal sample preparation; digestion-free analysis
- High sensitivity for trace elements, low detection limits
- Also equipped with a liquid autosampler
BELSORP MAX X (BET & adsorption)
- Surface area and porosity analysis (0.01 m²/g and above)
- Pore size distribution from 0.35 to 500 nm
- Adsorption gases: N₂, CO₂, H₂
- In situ heating and degassing to avoid air exposure
- 2 units offering up to 8 analysis ports simultaneously.
Netzsch Pulse TGA/DSC-MS
- Simultaneous thermogravimetric (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC)
- Coupled with mass spectrometer for evolved gas analysis
- Supports temperature-programmed reduction/oxidation/desorption (TPR/TPO/TPD)
- Temperature up to 1000 °C, vacuum to 10⁻³ mbar
- Connected to a pulse-box to dose and quantify gases sent over the samples.
- Connected to a liquid Nitrogen cooling system to perfom measurement down to -70C
In-House Organic Compositonal Characterization Techniques
Agilent GC-MS-FID with apolar columns
- Gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer and Flamme Ionization detectorfor liquid sample analysis
- High sensitivity (IDL down to 1.5 fg), 10× improved detection limits
- One of the inlet is configured as a SimDist (simulated Distillation) to analyze complex fuels mixtures.
- Integrated barcoded reader
Shimadzu GC-MS/FID with polar columns
- Fast GC/MS with additional flame ionization detector (FID)
- Suitable for polar compound analysis
- Multiple injection techniques (large volume, temperature programmed, headspace, purge-and-trap)
Agilent 1260 Infinity II UPLC/GPC
- High-performanceliquid chromatography (HPLC/UPLC) and gel permeation chromatography (GPC)
- High resolution and sensitivity for molecular separations
- Diode array and refractive index detectors for spectral and molecular weight distribution analysis
- Powerful GPC/SEC software for data collection and analysis
Support for Advanced Characterization Techniques with external partners
- Advanced methods like high-resolution electron microscopy, solid-state NMR, in-situ spectroscopy, and synchrotron beamlines are accessible via partner labs and ETH Zürich’s central facilities. We support sample prep, access, and data interpretation.