Accelerating Laboratory Data Acquisition: Physical Chemistry and Microfluidics Supporting the Energy Transition

Who are you?
Hello, my name is Enric Santanach Carreras, and I am a Physical Chemistry Research Scientist at the Platform for Experimental Research in Lacq (PERL), one of TotalEnergies’ R&D centers. I am originally from Barcelona and studied in the United States before moving to France. I had the opportunity to join TotalEnergies’ R&D teams in 2011.

What is your role at TotalEnergies?
As a research scientist, my role is to support, contribute to, and advance the research and development programs that will help the Company succeed in its transition towards a multi-energy strategy.

Why do you use microfluidic tools to support these programs?
The tools we use help accelerate data acquisition. This is becoming increasingly important with the rise of artificial intelligence and the models that rely on it. Artificial intelligence requires large amounts of data, so we need to be able to generate that data quickly to fully unlock its potential.

What is a common misconception about your job?
One common misconception is the image of a mad scientist isolated in a laboratory and never speaking to anyone. That is actually very far from reality.

What motivates you most in your job?
Three things. First, the topic itself, because the energy transition is a major societal challenge. Second, the teams. I have the opportunity to work with passionate and inspiring people every day. Third, the interactions with the academic and scientific communities, both in France and internationally.

Would you rather explain your job to a six-year-old child or to a grandmother?
Definitely to a six-year-old child. It is always rewarding to see their sense of wonder when they discover tools such as microscopes.

What is your favorite word related to your job?
Knowledge sharing. I like the idea of being able to learn new things in our laboratories and then pass that knowledge on to turn it into useful results.

And which expression would you never want to hear again?
"The experiment failed."

If your job were a cake, what would it be?
A Tarte Tatin. If the legend is true, it shows that even an accident can become an opportunity to innovate.

What is your secret superpower at work?
Good humor. You have to work seriously, but you should not take yourself too seriously.