Gas-solid contactors and catalytic reactors with direct microwave heating: Current status and perspectives

Abstract

Microwave heating (MWH) transforms energy from an electromagnetic wave to heat. In contrast to conventional heating (CH) mechanisms that use slower heat transfer processes via conduction, convection or radiation, microwaves (MW) directly interact with MW susceptor materials and induce a rapid conversion of the electromagnetic energy into heat. This rapid heating provides MWH with distinct features that can be leveraged to increase conversion, selectivity and/or energy efficiency of chemical processes. Here we discuss recent significant advances reported in MWH processes involving gas-solid interactions. Special attention is devoted to key aspects such as the methodologies to accurately determine local temperatures under the influence of electromagnetic (EM). Other relevant aspects such as the consideration of the solid catalyst dielectric properties or the design of novel gas-solid contactor configurations will be discussed. Emerging aspects such as the potential of MWH to minimize secondary by-products in high temperature reactions or to efficiently perform in transient processes, e.g. adsorption-desorption cycles, are highlighted. Finally, current challenges and perspectives towards a wide application of MWH in gas solid contactors will be critically discussed.