The aim of the workshop organised by ALBA was to illustrate the industrial applications of the ALBA Synchrotron in the field of Chemistry and Materials Sciences to the almost 50 registered participants.
During the event different scientists from ALBA explained how the current ALBA beamlines can be used to solve complex structures of cement, pigment or food components or how synchrotron light can help to promote cleaner energy (through catalytic processes to control vehicle emissions or developing new fuel cells). It was also remarkable the role that synchrotron light can play to improve cosmetics and other healthcare products such as shampoo, soap, etc. "Synchrotron light offers analytical solutions to companies for saving time and money due to the fact that some experiments can be very short – in some cases, just one day – and with non-destructive methods", says Miguel Ángel García Aranda, scientific director of ALBA.
Avelino Corma, founder and researcher of the Instituto de Tecnología Química de Valencia (ITQ), gave an enlightening talk on how synchrotron light is helping in the development of new chemical processes of industrial interest. He showed several cases of success directly related to his investigation.
The last speaker was Chou Kan Wei, researcher funded by Henkel, who explained how the German multinational company uses synchrotron-based research to develop new adhesive materials.
All the attendees had the opportunity to visit the experimental hall of ALBA and the beamlines' equipment and capabilities. Companies and scientists could also discuss about future industrial experiments to be performed in ALBA.
The ALBA Synchrotron management considers that this activity has been very positive. "This event shows the mutual interest between industry and the synchrotron. ALBA is a large scientific infrastructure available for the Spanish industry", says Alejandro Sánchez, responsible of the Industrial Office of ALBA.
ALBA, which is in operation since 2012, has already performed some industrial experiments and has ongoing collaborations with industry.
