476. Automated self-optimization, intensification, and scale-up of photocatalysis in flow

Aidan Slattery, Zhenghui Wen, Pauline Tenblad, Jesús Sanjosé-Orduna, Diego Pintossi, Tim den Hartog, Timothy Noël, Science, (2024), DOI: 10.1126/science.adj1817

Photocatalysis exploits light for driving reactivity under mild conditions, contributing to advancements in synthetic methods for pharmaceuticals, agrochemicals, and materials. Nonetheless, challenges persist in optimizing, replicating, and scaling these techniques. These challenges stem from practical considerations such as uneven light absorption and experimental variability, alongside chemical complexities such as poorly understood reaction mechanisms and intricate interactions among various variables. These phases in advancing photocatalytic processes are crucial yet time-consuming components of contemporary chemical manufacturing, requiring expertise and precision owing to their intricate and sensitive nature.