Innovative insights in a plug flow microreactor for operando X-ray studies

Different solutions have been proposed over the years to optimize control of the temperature and atmosphere over a catalyst in order to reach an ideal reactor behavior. Here, a new innovative solution which aims to minimize temperature gradients along the catalyst bed is demonstrated. This was attained by focusing the infrared radiation generated from the heating elements onto the catalyst bed with the aid of an aluminium shield. This method yields a ∼0.13 K mm−1 axial temperature gradient ranging from 960 to 1173 K. With the selection of appropriate capillaries, pressures of 20 bar (2 MPa) can be attained.