Flow-Induced Phase Inversion Phenomenon in Process Intensification and Microreactor Technology Preparation and Applications of Nanostructured Microporous Polymers and Metals

摘要

Process Intensification (PI) based on Flow Induced Phase Inversion (FIPI) phenomenon is reviewed briefly. The relationship between PI and process miniaturization through micro-reactor technology is considered in terms of micro-reactors and phenomenon based process intensification. The significance of FIPI in micro-reactor technology is considered in more detail. In order to achieve phenomenon based process intensification, it is necessary to conduct processes in micro-scale which provides extended surface area and enhanced selectivity through the interactions between the reactants / products and the micro-reactor environment. Strong interactions can be achieved by providing specific chemical functionality, surface area and accessibility within the micro-environment. These conditions are achieved by using nano-structured micro-porous polymers or metals with controlled chemical structure in which arterial pores provide accessibility and nano-pores provide surface area and functionality. We examined the preparation of sulphonated micro-cellular PolyHIPE Polymers prepared through a High Internal Phase Emulsion (HIPE) polymerization route and subsequently sulphonated using sulfuric acid which is already present within the pores of the micro-porous polymer. In the preparation of such polymers, FIPI is used to control the pore size and prevent the emulsion separation during polymerization as a result of sulfuric acid presence. PolyHIPE Polymers were also used as template in the preparation of nano-micro-porous metals/alloys which can be used as intensified catalyst or catalyst support. These catalysts also provide accessibility for the reactants and products through the arterial micro-pores connecting the nano-pores which provide catalytic activity and surface area.