Catalysis in polymeric membrane reactors: the membrane role

Polymeric catalytic membrane reactors (PCMRs) combine a polymeric membrane that controls transfers and a catalyst that provides conversion. This review focuses on the polymeric membrane. Depending on the application, the micro-environment of the catalyst in the PCMR may be quite different from that existing in conventional reactors. This could originate different performances of the catalyst properties compared to its use without membrane. In some cases, catalysts for use in PCMR might require a specific design. In particular, the study of PCMR, is a multidisciplinary activity, including material science, chemistry, and chemical engineering. Membrane based reactive separation processes, which combine two distinct functions, i.e. reaction and separation, have been around as a concept since the early stages of the membrane field itself, but have only attracted substantial technical interest during the last decade or so. Liquid phase catalytic oxidations are involved in numerous industrial processes ranging from fine to bulk chemical synthesis. PCMR polymeric membranes may also play a significant role in this field. (C) 2009 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.