Putting Micro/Nano Science into Products

摘要

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), operated by Battelle for the U.S. Department of Energy, is committed to creating science and technology breakthroughs and incorporating them into products. This paper describes the two-phased approach PNNL has used to achieve success in turning micro and nano science and technology advances into products. Since the early 1990s, PNNL has focused on and invested heavily in microchemical and microthermal systems (MICROCATS~®). The Laboratory is well known for its work in miniature heat exchangers, evaporators, combustors, fuel processors, and heat pumps, as noted on its website: http://www.pnl.gov/microcats. Research and development success led to awards and to Velocys Inc., a spinoff company, to apply microtechnologies to commercial and noncommercial processes and products. In addition, PNNL has made extensive efforts to collaborate with universities, Industries, and others to expand technical capabilities and create effective working partnerships. Since 1994, PNNL has collaborated with AlChE, DECHEMA, and the Institute for Microtechnology (IMM) to organize and conduct the International Micro-reaction Technology (IMRET) Conference. More recently it formed the Micro- products Breakthrough Institute, a collaborative effort with Oregon State University, to promote the application of microano science and technology to products (http://www.pnl.gov/microproducts.) This two-phased approach is paying dividends. PNNL has been able to establish and expand its expertise in microchemical and thermal systems plus join partners to work in allied fields. Through the Microproducts Breakthrough Institute, PNNL has established itself as a leader in building collaborative teams to develop products.