Methanol decomposition reaction using Pd/C as solid catalyst under highly precise microwave irradiation

Chemical reactions conducted under microwave irradiation have high reaction rates and high selectivity, but these reaction rates are not always reproducible. To achieve reproducibility, a microwave high power amplifier module (HPA) with an ultra precise oscillator and elliptical applicator is developed. This HPA has up to 500 W average power and generates pure 2.45-GHz sine signal. With these features, reproducible reactions can be conducted. We also demonstrated methanol decomposition as a solid-gas reaction with a Pd/C catalyst under microwave irradiation using this HPA and applicator. The reaction rate under microwave irradiation was more than three-fold of that under electric furnace heating.