Enabling batch and microfluidic non-thermal plasma chemistry: reactor design and testing

Abstract

Non-Thermal Plasma (NTP) is a promising state of matter for carrying out chemical reactions. NTP offers high densities of reactive species, without the need for a catalyst, while operating at atmospheric pressure and remaining at moderate temperature. Despite its potential, NTP cannot be used comprehensively in reactions until we understand more about the complex interactions of NTP and liquids. To achieve this, NTP reactors that can overcome challenges with solvent evaporation, enable inline data collection, and achieve high selectivity, high yield, and high throughput are required. Here, we detail the construction of i) a microfluidic reactor for chemical reactions using NTP in organic solvents and ii) a corresponding batch setup for control studies and scale-up. The use of microfluidics enables controlled generation of NTP and subsequent mixing with reaction media without loss of solvent. The construction of a low-cost custom mount enables inline optical emission spectroscopy using a fibre optic probe at points along the fluidic pathway.

Quid Pro Flow

“…Both microwave and photochemical methods offer significantly reduced energy consumption; photochemical methods can use freely available sunlight to power chemical reactions, whereas microwave technology has the potential to be operated using sustainable electricity obtained from renewable sources including solar, wind, or hydro- and bioenergy. Opportunities also exist for reactions to be driven by electrochemical and even nonthermal plasma methods. − …”