Practical engineering aspects of catalysis in microreactors

摘要

This work presents a brief review of microreactor applications for different types of catalytic reactions. Practical aspects of four selected case studies are discussed in detail: enzymatic glycerolysis, hydrogenation of isobutene, stereoselective catalytic transfer hydrogenation and photochemical oxidation of 4-chlorophenol. The common benefits resulting from the use of microreactors are documented, and include the excellent control of operating condition, efficient heat transfer, tailored design, high experimental reproducibility, and new process development. To provide an unbiased view on microreactor technology, important practical issues of microreactor utilization are raised and possible solutions are presented. The practical aspects are discussed from the chemical engineering point of view, aiming at providing better insight to potential non-engineering users of microreactor technology.