CatCarts

The CatCart system is designed to make the handling of even pyrophoric catalysts safer and easier. These cartridges are reusable and compatible with the H-Cube ^® series instruments and Phoenix flow systems.

CatCarts are made of a stainless-steel tube packed with a solid catalyst of a specific particle size range. A filter system at each end of the tube allows liquid to pass through the column but prevents catalyst from coming out.

ThalesNano offers a wide range of different catalysts loaded into cartridges to suit most types of hydrogenation reactions: from the more common types, such as palladium on carbon and Raney-type Ni, to catalysts used for chemoselective hydrogenations, such as rhenium catalysts.

Safer handling - no contact between user and catalyst
Exchange of catalyst is quick and seamless
No catalyst filtration necessary
Ability to reuse catalyst with different substrates
More efficient mixing of the three phases leading to higher reaction rates

The efficient mixing and super equivalent amount of catalyst at a given time vastly increases the interaction between the phases (solid catalyst, liquid substrate, hydrogen or other compatible gases). This interaction leads to higher mass transfer onto the catalyst surface, increases reaction rates and therefore, shortens reaction times. As the product leaves immediately from the active reaction zone, the reaction mechanism and chemoselectivity can be investigated and controlled easily.

The insertion and exchange of CatCarts into the reactor chambers is a very simple process. The user needs only to open the CatCart holder, remove the used CatCarta nd replace with another cartridge. The whole process takes only a few seconds.

During a reaction, the liquid or gas-liquid mixture enters the CatCart placed in the heated zone. The reaction takes place on the catalyst surface while the mixture passes through the cartridge. All the catalyst remains in the cartridge, so the user can proceed without catalyst filtration. After thorough washing with solvent, the CatCart may be used again for the next reaction.

The CatCarts^® are available in the following sizes:

	30 mm CatCart^®	70 mm CatCart^®	MicroCatCart™	MidiCart™	MMS columns
Length (mm)	30	70	30	116	125, 250 or custom sizes
Catalyst bed length (mm)	24	64	8	90	Variable
Internal diameter (mm)	4	4	4	9.5	Variable
Compatible with	H-Cube^® Mini Plus H-Cube^® Pro CatCart^® Changer Phoenix™ flow systems	H-Cube^® Mini Plus H-Cube^® Pro CatCart^® Changer Phoenix™ flow systems	H-Cube^® Mini Plus H-Cube^® Pro CatCart^® Changer Phoenix™ flow systems	Phoenix™ flow systems	Phoenix™ flow systems

Please note that the particle size of a catalyst may differ in our CatCarts and MidiCarts.

How much starting material can be reacted with one CatCart?

The lifetime of the catalyst is affected by polarity, molecular weight, purity, solvent and types of functional groups, e.g. sulphur groups which may poison the catalyst. The reaction parameters can also affect the catalyst longevity (temperature, pressure and concentration), therefore the productivity of the catalyst can vary from milligrams to grams.

How shall used CatCarts be disposed?

Every CatCart purchase contains the deactivating vials as well. This vial is filled up with a solution of sodium metabisulfite that deactivates the catalyst. The disposable CatCart^® should be closed in this deactivation vial and handled the same way as heterogeneous catalysts.

Are there any partially poisoned catalysts available?

A selection of poisoned catalysts for selective reduction are available, like sulfided Pt catalysts.

After a reaction, are there any problems if a CatCart is stored in the original tube?

When you would like to store CatCars for a longer time, wash them carefully with deionized water and place them into their original vials. The vials must be filled with deionized water, this is especially critical in the case of pyrophoric catalysts, because if you let these catalysts to dry, they can catch on fire.

What is the correct way of proceeding after I have finished my work on a ThalesNano reactor?

ThalesNano recommends to let the system to cool down and wash it by flowing the same solvent used in the reaction for at least 10 minutes. After the washing, the CatCart should be removed from the reactor and stored or disposed properly (see above).

I would like to use the same CatCart to perform other reactions. How can I avoid contamination?

Wash the system with pure solvent after each reaction then test the solvent for contaminants. Continue this procedure until the solvent is clear.

What is the safe and correct way of handling CatCarts filled with Raney-type catalysts?

Never use solutions containing mineral acids with Raney-type Ni because you will dissolve the nickel. If you wish to store CatCarts filled with Raney-type Ni or any other catalyst after use, always place them in their original containers filled with deionized water.

The catalyst that I need to use in my work is not available in the list of the currently available CatCarts. What can I do?

You can preorder from ThalesNano your CatCarts to be filled with the catalyst that you need. If you prefer, it is also possible that you fill up your own CatCarts with any catalyst you want using the CatCart Packer.

How can I order custom CatCarts?

We offer a wide range of different catalysts loaded in cartridges to suit most types of hydrogenation reactions, however you can use our custom service to get your CatCarts filled with the catalyst that you need. Please contact us at askthechemist@thalesnano.com for further information.

Safe and easy catalyst handling

Heterogeneous catalysis made safe and easy

Advantages

How to use CatCarts?

Different sizes to fit your chemistry

FAQ