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Catedrático José Beltrán,46980, Paterna (Spain)
info@photospinner.es
+34 963 544 421

PHOTOSPINNER

PhotoSpinner is a high throughput screening (HTS) photoreactor designed to speed up the discovery and validation of photocatalysts, e.g. for CO2 valorization. Compared to a manual assay (1 photocatalyst) our reactor allows to perform «N» assays at a time. PCT/ES2024/070188
PhotoSpinner has been designed to operate in two modes:
discrete-v2
Ideal for short reactions (≤1 h) with maximum irradiation at fixed positions
continous-v2
Designed for long irradiation times with smooth, uniform exposure

Discrete Mode - Sequential High-Intensity Irradiation

When irradiating multiple samples, achieving identical illumination conditions for each one becomes a major challenge. For short irradiation times, however, the experimental conditions experienced by each sample can be considered effectively constant, making it possible to switch the light source systematically from one sample to another while maintaining identical conditions. In its discrete mode, PhotoSpinner is specifically designed to perform this controlled sample-to-sample exchange automatically.

Continuous - Ensuring Uniform Conditions at Scale

While discrete illumination is highly effective for rapid screening and short irradiation times, it becomes inherently limited when experiments require longer durations or when productivity needs to be scaled.

In principle, achieving high-throughput conditions would simply involve running multiple reactions in parallel. In practice, however, this approach quickly becomes impractical. Users rarely have access to multiple light sources with identical power, emission profiles, and stability. Even when this is the case, increasing the number of samples inevitably leads to the Problem of Homogeneous Illumination and Stirring, where variations in light intensity and mixing conditions across positions compromise reproducibility.

The Continuous Mode of PhotoSpinner overcomes these limitations by ensuring that all samples are individually stirred while following the same periodic trajectory relative to the light source. As a result, each reaction experiences the same average irradiation and equivalent mixing conditions over time.

This enables:
  • Reliable long-term irradiations
  • True parallel experimentation without positional bias
  • Direct comparability between samples
  • Seamless transition from single-sample optimization to multi-sample workflows

The Problem of Homogeneous Illumination and Stirring

In an HTS photoreactor, it is difficult to illuminate two samples at the same time with exactly the same amount of light, which reduces the reproducibility of the results (A). This problem scales with the number of samples (B). In addition, samples closer to the light source may screen the light received by samples farther away (C).
When working with multiple samples, achieving uniform magnetic stirring becomes challenging. Vials located farther from the magnet’s rotational axis (A) experience weaker coupling, which results in slower or intermittent stirring, while samples positioned closer to the center (B) mix more efficiently. This radial dependence leads to concentration differences and uneven dispersion of solids.
Together, these effects make it difficult to ensure that all samples experience the same irradiation and mixing conditions. As a result, reaction outcomes can vary from vial to vial, reducing reproducibility in high-throughput experiments.

Our Solution

solution
In PhotoSpinner the specimen array is radially symmetric and its position is not fixed. The samples describe the same periodic and circular trajectory with respect to the fixed lateral light source (A), repeatedly sweeping through the same positions in space. In this way, the irradiated area is maximized and, for sufficiently long irradiation times, the average distance (and therefore the received intensity) as well as all other experimental conditions, will be the same for all samples.
The homogeneity of the irradiation is further enhanced by the individual stirring of each sample (B), which ensures a consistent suspension and reproducible dispersion of solid materials such as heterogeneous catalysts.
Animation

A complete approach to reproducible multi-sample photochemistry

Our design ensures that all samples receive the same amount of light (learn more).
PhotoSpinner illuminates samples laterally to maximize the irradiated sample area.
Moreover, the system is designed to accommodate almost any type of commercial lamp (learn more), and its axial geometry allows more than one lamp to be mounted simultaneously (learn more). Allowing users to work with the lamps already available in their laboratories greatly facilitates the transferability of results from single-sample experiments to the HTS format
PhotoSpinner readily accepts reaction vessels of multiple size or shape, from small vials to cuvettes and bottles (learn more).
shape
With dedicated stirring for every sample, the system is ideally tailored for heterogeneous catalyst testing, delivering reliable and homogeneous solid dispersions
Its design permits the use of gas reservoirs, enabling reactions that rely on controlled gas atmospheres such as CO₂ reduction or H₂ evolution.
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change-ph
Its temperature-control module allows reactions to be carried out at a constant and precisely regulated temperature, from near room temperature up to several tens of degrees above ambient, depending on the power and number of lamps used (learn more).

Knowledge Hub

Our design ensures that all samples receive the same amount of validating light.
Learn more
PhotoSpinner can accommodate almost any type of commercial lamp. Moreover, it illuminates samples laterally to maximize the irradiated area, and its axial geometry allows more than one lamp to be mounted simultaneously
Learn more
Allowing users to work with the lamps already available in their laboratories greatly facilitates the transferability of results from single-sample experiments to the HTS format
Learn more
PhotoSpinner readily accepts reaction vessels of multiple size or shape, from small vials to cuvettes and bottles
Learn more
To prevent overheating, PhotoSpinner incorporates active temperature control and monitoring of both the reaction chamber and the solution
Learn more
PhotoSpinner was developed from direct input by active researchers. It provides a robust, intuitive, and reproducible platform designed by and for the laboratory
Learn more

Contact Us

    News & Updates

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    PhotoSpinner is a high throughput screening (HTS) photoreactor designed to speed up the discovery and validation of photocatalysts, e.g. for CO2 valorization.

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    Collaborators

    The system as it stands today is the product of ongoing dialogue, shared insights, and the constructive exchange of ideas with our collaborators.

    Juliá Research Group

    The Juliá Group at Universidad de Murcia develops sustainable manufacturing methods for essential chemical products by replacing precious metals such as palladium with Earth-abundant alternatives. Their research leverages the photochemistry of first-row transition-metal complexes and uses visible light to design efficient and environmentally friendly catalytic processes. Through this approach, the group addresses major global challenges in modern chemistry and industrial production.
    PI: Fabio Juliá (Assistant Professor – «Ramón y Cajal» Fellow, 2023 – ERC Starting Grant)

    Alexey Cherveran

    At the E165-02-Research Unit of Molecular Materials Chemistry (TU Wien, Vienna) research interests focus on materials chemistry and encompass a variety of functional nanostructured inorganic materials relevant to a range of energy-related applications. By integrating concepts from molecular and solid-state photocatalysis, he addresses fundamental and technological challenges in sustainable energy conversion.
    Co-PI:Alexey Cherevan (New Materials Concepts for Photocatalysis area leader, Assistant Professor – Tenure-Track; Habilitation in Materials Chemistry, 2024).

    Tortosa Research Group

    The Tortosa Group at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid develops new metal-catalyzed reactions, asymmetric catalysis, and natural-product synthesis, with a strong focus on boronic ester chemistry. Their research aims to create efficient and sustainable synthetic strategies that address key challenges in modern molecular construction.
    PI: Mariola Tortosa Manzanares (Professor; ERC Starting Grant 2013, ERC Consolidator Grant 2020)

    TeamNanoTech (TNT)

    The TNT Group at Universidad de Vigo – CINBIO focuses on the research and design of plasmonic nanoparticles aimed at discovering new properties that can be integrated into advanced clinical and industrial devices. Their work includes plasmonic nanomaterials with predesigned optoelectronic properties, bio-nanomaterials for drug detection and delivery, nanoreactors and catalysts for for the production of high value-added chemicals.
    PI: Miguel Ángel Correa (Full Professor)

    Laura Salonen

    Leads research within the Hybrid Nanomaterials Group at CINBIO, focusing on the design, synthesis and characterization of new nanomaterials for applications in Biomedicine, Environment and Catalysis. Her work is mainly centered on covalent organic frameworks (COFs), exploring their synthesis and their use in energy-related and environmental applications.
    Co-PI: Laura Salonen (Ramon y Cajal)

    Our Partners

    PhotoSpinner is an initiative that arises from FuniMat in partnership with AIDIMME, who, within the framework of its research projects, found that none of the existing benchtop photoreactors on the market meets all the necessary characteristics to carry out the heterogeneous photoreduction of CO2 by HTS methodology.
    FuniMat is a research group part of the Institute of Molecular Science (ICMol) at the Universidad de Valencia (UV). Its research encompasses different targets ranging from the synthesis, characterization and nanostructuration of inorganic, porous materials.
    AIDIMME is a technological institute that supports metalworking, furniture, wood, and packaging sectors. It promotes innovation and competitiveness through research, development, training, and consulting, aiming to enhance industry growth and modernization.
    INN TEC is a technology innovation company with over 10 years of experience creating cutting-edge products. Our products and services cover all the technological needs of your project.

    Funding & Support

    VALUATION, TRANSFER AND EXPLOITATION BY COMPANIES OF I+D+I RESULTS (INNVA1/2023/95)
    PROGRAMA VALORIZA Y TRANSFIERE (INV25-01-22)
    Scientific Unit for Industrial Innovation (UCIE) INTERNAL CALL ( UCIE – INNVA2/2025/1)