Continuous flow (micro-)reactors for heterogeneously catalyzed reactions: Main design and modelling issues

Continuous flow chemistry is a rapidly developing branch in organic and drugs synthesis, whereas it is common practice in heterogeneous catalysis for base chemicals production. Heterogeneously catalysed synthetic protocols are being developed and can take advantage of the reaction and reactor engineering experience at the macro-scale, provided that suitable models are applied to the micro- and meso-reactors in use. The main process parameters that define possible mass, heat and momentum transport limitations in heterogeneous catalytic reactors are reviewed. Specific models applying such concepts to microreactors are proposed. Finally, examples are reported of heterogeneously catalysed reactions carried out in microreactors for different applications.