In physics and chemistry the mesoscopic scale is the length scale at which one can reasonably discuss material properties or phenomena without having to discuss individual atom behaviour. Applied research at this scale is covered by the fields of nanotechnology and microtechnology and includes for example microreactors and microseparators.
The aim of the research group Mesoscale Chemical Systems is to study the behaviour and control of fluids, including miscible and immiscible liquids, gases and two-phase gas-liquid systems and of the chemical species contained in these fluids in a confined environment and more specifically, near nanostructured and active surfaces and interfaces.

The main research themes are:
I.   process intensification using renewable sources of activation (ultrasound, plasma, solar light),
     unconventional conditions (emulsions, supercritical fluids) or new reactor designs (typically
     microreactors) to perform chemical reactions and separations;
II.  miniaturized chemical analysis systems, applied in local measurement of chemical
    variables. Of particular interest are small, energy-efficient systems that can be used to monitor
     the composition of (industrial) reactors, to monitor air, soil or water quality, to monitor exhaust
     streams of chemical plants, or to monitor feedstock quality in the chemical, pharmaceutical or
     food industries ;
III. nanostructured devices for reaction and analysis on single particles (chromatographic beads,
    catalyst particles, nanowires).
IV. the use of solar light or electricity from renewable sources (wind, water, solar) for chemical
    conversions, including new materials, new processes, or new equipment involved in these
    conversions.