Catalytic processes in small scale flow reactors Status and opportunities

摘要

Significant efforts in studying catalytic processes using small scale flow systems are underway in many laboratories. Microsystems in particular offer the potential to acquire large amounts of data using small material quantities while accessing traditionally difficult experimental conditions. We highlight recent efforts in the field and comment on homogeneous, multi-phase, and solid supported applications. Homogeneous catalytic processes con access chemistries involving unstable intermediates and benefit from low material consumption. The latter has the additional advantage of enabling facile optimization and screening. Multi-phase catalytic processes have been developed that demonstrate catalyst recycling or reaction acceleration due to enhanced mass transfer. We also compare the efficiency of catalysts supported on flow reactor surfaces to packed beds of porous catalyst supports.