Epoxidation of trans-stilbene in a microfluidic plasma reactor

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

“…For example, the work of Wengler et al yielded a microfluidic device (non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma discharges, DBD) that can oxidise cyclohexane showing the potential of good selectivity (70–80%) but low conversion (10–35%). 12 A similar trend was observed in the work of Ogunyinka et al ; 4 their plasma microfluidic device (also non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma discharges, DBD) was successfully used for epoxidation of trans -stilbene. A single pass of starting reagent through the chip in presence of plasma treatment generated a conversion yield of 33% and selectivity of 50% with benzaldehyde as a by-product.…”

“…1 In non-thermal plasma (NTP) the electron temperature is much higher than that of the surrounding gas particles, which can be close to room temperature; this can be exploited to perform chemistry that is challenging to achieve using conventional methods, for example, CO 2 conversion. 2–5…”

“…1 In non-thermal plasma (NTP) the electron temperature is much higher than that of the surrounding gas particles, which can be close to room temperature; this can be exploited to perform chemistry that is challenging to achieve using conventional methods, for example, CO 2 conversion. [2][3][4][5] NTP can be generated by an application of a high voltage (HV) across a neutral gas. The addition of energy causes ionisation of the neutral gas molecules through collisions with charged particles resulting in the production of active species.…”

Microflow chemistry and its electrification for sustainable chemical manufacturing

“…20% conversion, 50% selectivity to cyclohexylamine; higher selectivity at higher NH 3 fraction trans-Stilbene epoxidation 309 Microuidic chip, dielectric barrier discharge (DBD), liquid (solution in ACN) ow 1 ml min À1 , He/O 2 ow 1 ml min À1…”

“…16 ). 309 The plasma generates atomic oxygen O( 3 P) for epoxidation, while ozone O 3 (ozonolysis) leads to benzaldehyde. Optimized experiments with continuous liquid recirculation and short bubble-liquid contact time of ∼2 s achieve selectivity of ∼94% of epoxide at ∼33% conversion.…”