Photochemical transformations accelerated in continuous-flow reactors : basic concepts and applications

Y. Su, N.J.W. Straathof, V. Hessel, T. Noel

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Abstract

Continuous-flow photochemistry is used increasingly by researchers in academia and industry to facilitate photochemical processes and their subsequent scale-up. However, without detailed knowledge concerning the engineering aspects of photochemistry, it can be quite challenging to develop a suitable photochemical microreactor for a given reaction. In this review, we provide an up-to-date overview of both technological and chemical aspects associated with photochemical processes in microreactors. Important design considerations, such as light sources, material selection, and solvent constraints are discussed. In addition, a detailed description of photon and mass-transfer phenomena in microreactors is made and fundamental principles are deduced for making a judicious choice for a suitable photomicroreactor. The advantages of microreactor technology for photochemistry are described for UV and visible-light driven photochemical processes and are compared with their batch counterparts. In addition, different scale-up strategies and limitations of continuous-flow microreactors are discussed.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)10562-10589
Number of pages28
JournalChemistry : A European Journal
Volume20
Issue number34
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2014

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