Reactors Development
Dr. Pierre Kube, Dr. Paulina Summa
Custom Reactor Design for Precise Kinetic Measurements
While interface engineering of laterally condensed catalyst (LCC) plays a vital role in optimizing catalytic activity, these 2D thin-film systems present unique challenges related to mass and heat transfer. To accurately evaluate their performance, innovative reactor designs are essential.
Tailored Reactors for Thin-Film Catalysts
We have developed custom fixed-bed reactors specifically designed to accommodate the geometry and structure of LCCs. These reactors:
- Ensure precise positioning of the catalyst within reactor cell
- Enable direct comparison between LCCs and conventional powder catalysts
- Provide high reproducibility of kinetic measurements
- Reduce bypass flow and enhance gas–catalyst interaction
- By increasing the catalyst exposure area, optimizing gas flow paths, and minimizing diffusion limitations, these systems dramatically improve the quality and reliability of kinetic data.
Advanced Channel Reactor Concept
To further address diffusion and flow uniformity, we introduced a novel channel reactor cell that allows:
- Localized analysis of catalytic changes along the reaction pathway
- Extended contact time between reactants and the active surface
- Elimination of flow inhomogeneities, boosting catalytic performance
- Precise control over residence time and surface-to-volume ratio
This channel reactor not only supports detailed kinetic and mechanistic studies, but also offers scalable design potential—making it highly relevant for industrial applications that demand accurate, high-throughput catalyst evaluation.
