Methods and apparatus for combinatorial (i.e., high-throughput) materials
research, such as catalysis research, that involves parallel apparatus for simultaneously
effecting mechanical treatments such as grinding, mixing, pressing, crushing, sieving,
and/or fractionating of such materials are disclosed. The methods and apparatus
are useful for mechanically treating catalysis materials and other solid materials,
including without limitation, electronic materials such as phosphors, colorants
such as pigments, and pharmaceuticals such as crystalline drugs or drug candidates.
The simultaneous protocols and parallel apparatus offer substantial improvements
in overall throughput for preparing arrays of materials, such as catalysis materials.