Microwave-Promoted Continuous Flow Systems in Nanoparticle Synthesis—A Perspective

Abstract

Microwave-promoted continuous flow systems have emerged as a game-changer in nanoparticle synthesis. Owing to the excellent compatibility between fast, sustainable microwave heating and one-step, efficient flow chemistry, this promising technology is meant to enhance the synthetic abilities of nanoscientists. This Perspective aims to present a panoramic view of the state of the art in this field. Additionally, the effect of various microwave and flow parameters on the properties of nanoparticles is discussed along with a comparative glance at the features that make flow reactors more practical and sustainable than their batch counterparts. The overview has also analyzed various microwave continuous flow reactors available in the literature, with an acute emphasis on the nanosynthesis route and design features. Moreover, a discussion on the numerical modeling of microwave flow systems has been made a part of this perspective to reiterate its significance and encourage research in this domain. The Perspective also briefly comments on existing challenges and future prospects of this technology.

Microflow chemistry and its electrification for sustainable chemical manufacturing

“…Researchers in organic, enzymatic, and nanoparticle synthesis have advanced MW-heated continuous flows considerably, as discussed in recent reviews. [238][239][240][241][242][243][244][245] Here, we detail accomplishments with an emphasis on implementation and performance.…”

Microwave-promoted continuous flow synthesis of thermoplastic polyurethane–silver nanocomposites and their antimicrobial performance

“…A pressure regulator (IDEX Health and Science) was also attached to the outlet to maintain constant backpressure, which helps overcome the issue of temperature fluctuations. 40 Waste and samples were collected separately in borosilicate glass bottles (ISOLAB).…”

“…[31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38] Microwave (MW) heating, a green and sustainable method, involves dipolar polarisation and ionic conduction. 39 When coupled with a continuous flow-type reactor, it offers various advantages over traditional methods, such as fast and uniform heating, homogeneous mixing, higher yield and purity, narrow particle size distributions, 40 "in-core" volumetric heating, 41 and enhanced nucleation zones for metal NPs. 39 In a typical MW-promoted continuous flow system, a homogeneous dispersion of precursors is fed continuously into a microreactor exposed to MW irradiation in a MW cavity.…”

“…39 In a typical MW-promoted continuous flow system, a homogeneous dispersion of precursors is fed continuously into a microreactor exposed to MW irradiation in a MW cavity. 40 While the synthesis of AgNPs in a MWpromoted flow system has been the topic of numerous studies, 33,36,42 its use in synthesising polymer-metal NCs less explored.…”

Microwave synthesis of upconverting nanoparticles with bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate

“…[23][24][25] The advantage of microwave heating in nanoparticle synthesis is that microwave energy can be used to achieve rapid, homogeneous volumetric heating on a typical laboratory scale. 26,27 Since heat can be very rapidly and uniformly generated within the reaction mixture and elevated temperatures can be reached in only a few minutes, microwave-assisted nanocrystal synthesis can combine the benets of both the heat-up and the hot injection methods. Moreover, efficient microwave heating combined with ow synthesis has been proposed for the mass production of nanomaterials.…”