Editors’ Choice—Critical Review—The Bipolar Trickle Tower Reactor: Concept, Development and Applications

Abstract

The concept of a trickle tower, using ordered bipolar electrode elements stacked in (10 to 80) similar layers of porous, 3D electrodes separated by insulating separator meshes is described and key features of electrochemical reactors based on the bipolar trickle tower reactor (BTTR) geometry are reviewed. Fluid flow, mass transfer, active area and bypass current are considered in detail, since they affect the reaction environment. Modified reactor designs have resulted from the process of electrode selection and tower construction. The performance of BTTRs is illustrated by examples from laboratory and industry, including electrosynthesis and environmental treatment. Experimental data are used to rationalise reaction environment and simulate performance. Operational factors such as electrolyte flow, mass transfer rates and volumetric electrode area are highlighted as important factors in achieving high efficiency; minimisation of internal bypass currents is critical. Developments have enabled improvements in reactor construction and a wider choice of electrode material. Future R & D needs are highlighted.

Electrochemical Oscillatory Baffled Reactors Fabricated with Additive Manufacturing for Efficient Continuous-Flow Oxidations

“… 20 The use of AM to generate advanced structures that enhance mixing in electrochemical flow systems is gaining attention. 8 , 21 , 22 Indeed, the design of simple structures to improve mixing in parallel plate continuous-flow electroreactors has been recently demonstrated, showcasing the potential of AM to improve the performance of electrochemical transformations under flow conditions. 23 Continuous-flow oscillatory baffled reactors (COBRs) are a specific class of chemical reactors that combine both passive and active mixing: the coupling of periodic constrictions and a mechanically generated oscillatory flow enables the generation of a turbulent flow at low Reynolds ( Re ) numbers.…”

“…20 The use of AM to generate advanced structures that enhance mixing in electrochemical flow systems is gaining attention. 8,21,22 under flow conditions. 23 Continuous-flow oscillatory baffled reactors (COBRs) are a specific class of chemical reactors that combine both passive and active mixing: the coupling of periodic constrictions and a mechanically generated oscillatory flow enables the generation of a turbulent flow at low Reynolds (Re) numbers.…”

“…A key advantage of flow chemistry is the ability to finely control mixing, which can be done by adding elements without moving parts (passive), or with the use of an external energy source that produces changes in the flow resulting in better mixing . The use of AM to generate advanced structures that enhance mixing in electrochemical flow systems is gaining attention. ,, Indeed, the design of simple structures to improve mixing in parallel plate continuous-flow electroreactors has been recently demonstrated, showcasing the potential of AM to improve the performance of electrochemical transformations under flow conditions . Continuous-flow oscillatory baffled reactors (COBRs) are a specific class of chemical reactors that combine both passive and active mixing: the coupling of periodic constrictions and a mechanically generated oscillatory flow enables the generation of a turbulent flow at low Reynolds ( Re ) numbers. , The employment of additive manufacturing to generate miniaturized continuous oscillatory baffled reactors has been demonstrated previously by our group …”

Electrochemical oscillatory baffled reactors fabricated with additive manufacturing for efficient continuous-flow oxidations

“…21 The use of AM to generate advanced structures that enhance mixing in electrochemical flow systems is gaining attention. 8,22,23 . Indeed, the design of simple structures to improve mixing in parallel plate continuous-flow electro-reactors has been recently demonstrated, showcasing the potential of AM to improve the performance of electrochemical transformations under flow conditions.…”

Electrochemical oscillatory baffled reactors fabricated with additive manufacturing for efficient continuous-flow oxidations

“…[7] Moreover, with the aid of CFD simulations, the shape of the reactor and the position of other elements like static mixers can be fine-tuned to optimize the flow before even printing [19] A key advantage of flow chemistry is the ability to finely control mixing, which can be done by adding elements without moving parts (passive), [20] or with the use of an external energy source that produces changes in the flow resulting in better mixing [21]. The use of Additive Manufacturing (AM) to generate advanced structures that enhance mixing in electrochemical flow systems is gaining attention [8,22,23]. Indeed, the design of simple structures to improve mixing in parallel plate continuous-flow electroreactors has been recently demonstrated, showcasing the potential of AM to improve the performance of electrochemical transformations under flow conditions.…”