Selective electrochemical oxidation of organic compounds in a mass transfer-enhanced electrochemical flow reactor (e[sbnd]NETmix)

Abstract

eNETmix stands as an electrochemical flow reactor engineered to enhance mass transfer. This study aimed at assessing the performance of the eNETmix reactor in the realm of organic electrosynthesis. Specifically, the research focused on the selective electrochemical oxidation of 4-methoxybenzyl alcohol (4-MBA) to p-anisaldehyde (PAA) using a bare fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO) anode. The efficiency of the process was assessed for distinct current densities (j), Reynolds numbers (Re), supporting electrolyte contents, and substrate initial contents. The eNETmix reactor was extensively compared to a commercial electrochemical flow reactor (MicroFlowCell from ElectroCell, Denmark). eNETmix facilitated the use of a broader range of j (0.8–2.0 mA cm−2versus 0.8 mA cm−2) together with smaller Re (≥190 versus >1750), supporting electrolyte contents (≥1 mM versus ≥30 mM), and substrate initial contents (≥2.0 mM versus ≥3.0 mM) with no loss of PAA production or energy consumption. These findings underscore a remarkable suitability of eNETmix as a reactor for organic electrosynthesis.