Continuous Solid Particle Flow in Microreactors for Efficient Chemical Conversion

The incorporation of flowing nanoparticles or microparticles for use in catalysis as well as in the enhancement of mass transfer in microreactors opens a new avenue for chemical process intensification. In this work, the recent application of handling suspended solid particles in microreactors for carrying out efficient chemical conversions is reviewed, including the use of colloidal suspensions, Pickering emulsions, and catalyst slurries. Emphasis is laid on the effect of the presence of solid particles on the microflow characteristics, mass transfer property, and reaction enhancement, especially in multiphase fluid systems as the most frequently used one in microreactors. A future perspective regarding the potential application of such microreactor systems as well as challenges, especially related to stable flow operation and catalyst recycling, is further provided.

Automated summary

This paper reviews the recent application of handling suspended solid particles in microreactors for efficient chemical conversions, focusing on the effect of the presence of solid particles on microflow characteristics, mass transfer properties, and reaction enhancement. The future potential application and challenges of such microreactor systems are also discussed.