Microreactor technology and process miniaturization for catalytic reactions - A perspective on recent developments and emerging technologies

Recent developments in microreactor technology (MRT) are reviewed within the context of discovery, development and commercialization of catalytic systems. Emerging trends and drivers for development of pilot plants and scale-up methods for the next generation of multiphase catalytic processes are presented. Developments in microreactor scale-out, materials of construction, fabrication techniques, and the potential effect of materials of construction on performance are highlighted. Key issues that impact the adoption and implementation of MRT for research, development, and small-scale commercial applications, including safety, potential performance enhancement, environmental impact, distributed production, scale-up, and computer-aided design tools are also analyzed. The role of MRT in portable power systems is given as an example of a potential commercial application. (C) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.