Performance of catalytic membrane reactor in multiphase reactions

Abstract

Single-channel catalytic membranes were prepared using an evaporation-crystallization Pt deposition method and characterized by employing SEM, EDX and EPMA techniques. Their activity was tested by conducting liquid-phase formic acid oxidation, and effects of trans-membrane pressure difference, catalyst loading and re-circulation rate on their performance is reported. The results obtained have revealed that the measured conversions are preferentially determined by diffusion of formic acid through the top and intermediate layers to the reaction zone on one hand, and by concentration gradient of gaseous reactant on the other hand. Which effect prevails, depends on the position of gas–liquid interface and the instantaneous molar ratio of reactants. Finally, thickness and reactants' concentrations in the reaction zone established within the membrane wall were calculated.