Development of a microreactor-based parallel catalyst analysis system for synthesis gas conversion

This paper presents the development of a microreactor-based parallel-analysis system for fast catalyst development. The method is based on the deployment of multiple, microfabricated chemical reactors which consume little energy or chemicals, are safe and environmentally compatible in operation, and which yield relevant reaction data for catalyst evaluation. The approach is a general one, applicable to various heterogeneous catalysis technologies. The aim of this research is to ultimately apply the method to Fischer–Tropsch (F–T) and other syntheses related to the production of non-petroleum based fuels and chemicals. Because of the large gains in experimental efficiency, the method has the ability to advance catalyst technology at an unprecedented pace. We begin by describing our previous work involving the fabrication of silicon micromachined microreactors and the mechanical and electrical setup for the experimental characterization of microreactors. We then present the results of a model reaction system (hydrogenation and dehydrogenation of cyclohexene) and preliminary results of methanation reactions performed with this setup. Finally, the parallel-analysis system, which is currently under development, is discussed.