Process intensification using microwave heated multiphase reactors

The quest for transition to clean energy sources and intensified chemical processes has led to growing interest in microwave-heated reactors. Microwave generated from renewable electricity is a clean energy source and can intensify chemical processes with its unique heating characteristics, especially selective heating. Selective microwave heating creates a temperature differential between phases in a multiphase reactor, allowing a new paradigm in process intensification. Numerous studies have demonstrated the potential of microwaves to achieve process intensification. Nevertheless, detailed explanations for the observations are lacking primarily due to the unavailability of accurate temperature measurements. This perspective article discusses the significant challenges hindering the development and deployment of microwave multiphase reactors and the opportunities for further research. Structured reactors, such as monoliths, are emphasized as a canonical setup for experiments and modeling.

Automated summary

This article discusses the significant challenges hindering the development and deployment of microwave multiphase reactors and the opportunities for further research. Structured reactors are emphasized as a canonical setup for experiments and modeling.