Switching activation barriers: new insights in E-field driven processes at the interface: perspectives in physical chemistry and catalysis

The research described in this thesis aimed to explore new concepts in catalysis with the use of a homemade ATR-IR silicon-based microreactor. During this journey we have performed multidisciplinary research at the interface between physics and chemistry. New insights in the fabrication, integration and characterization of ATR-IR microreactors were generated. Excitingly, a goal of this project is achieved with the fabrication of an E-field device which allows the study of catalytic chemical reactions with ATR-IR spectroscopy. This work shows promising potential for the application of microreactor technology to study in sity chemical processes influenced by external electrical fields.