Reactor design optimization for direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide

Abstract

A glass-fabricated microreactor was applied to the direct synthesis of hydrogen peroxide from hydrogen and oxygen. The direct synthesis reaction is a three-phase reaction, with gas (hydrogen and oxygen), liquid (reaction solution) and solid (catalyst) being involved. We designed an advanced microreactor in which an ideal gas–liquid distribution could be accomplished throughout the catalyst packed bed. We also set up a reaction system that enables the reaction operation at more than 2 MPa over 1 week. With these efforts, more than 3 wt% of hydrogen peroxide was successfully produced using the microreactor technology.