Microreactors for Gas Liquid Solid reactions – Novel Catalyst Support Based on Carbon Nanofibers

Introduction Currently, there is tremendous interest in the field of micro-structured gas-liquid contactors containing modified catalytic coatings on its micro-structured internals (Fig. 1) [1]. The most recent trend in the design of three-phase catalytic microreactors focuses on the use of structured catalyst supports, i.e. that the catalyst has to be deposited on a rigid, orderly arranged support body. Catalytic support layers based on carbon nanofibers (CNFs) offer a novel option to facilitate this task [24]. With their inherent high surface-to-volume ratio carbon nanofibers provide tremendously high surface area [2], thereby offering the possibility to anchor high concentration of catalytic sites per unit volume. The diameter and length of the fibers can be manipulated to increase void volume and enhance the hydrodynamic accessibility of the catalytic sites. This minimises internal diffusion limitations and Figure 1. SEM image of flow prevent concentration gradients inside the CNF layer channel in silicon with arrays of In this work, synthesis of well-attached CNF layers micropillars. on flat substrates, microchannel wall surfaces, is attempted in order to prepare smart microreactors for efficient gas liquid solid reactions.