A Novel Cross-Flow Microreactor for Kinetic Studies of Catalytic Processes

A silicon differential microchemical reactor that utilizes a novel crossflow geometry has been developed for the testing of porous supported catalysts. The cross-flow design reduces pressure drop by using a shallow but wide catalyst bed. Modeling, flow visualization, and pressure drop studies confirm even flow distribution across the reactor. Kinetic experiments with the oxidation of carbon monoxide as a model chemistry demonstrate the cross-flow microreactor as a practical laboratory tool for catalyst testing.