First International Conference on
Unconventional Catalysis, Reactors and Applications

Zaragoza-Spain, 16-18 October 2019
17:00   Unconventional catalyst synthesis and manufacturing methods 2
40 mins
KEYNOTE: Mechanochenical catalyst design and applications
Prof. Rafael Luque
Abstract: Mechanochenical catalyst design and applications
20 mins
Katia Martina, Maria Jesus Moran Plata, Giancarlo Cravotto
Abstract: The so called “enabling technologies” such as microwave, ultrasound, ball mill besides an efficient heat and mass transfer, may generate high energy micro-environments and hot spots that strongly enhance reactivity and reaction rate. In the search of new, efficient and selective forms of synergism, dielectric heating was combined with cavitation either in loop or in flow mode or simultaneously in batch so to obtain physical changes when solids or metals were present. We experimented these techniques to graft nanocarbon, silica particles and fabric surphace with cyclodextrin [1]. The influence of unconventional condition in obtaining nanocatalyst has been studied and their application was optimized [2]. Selective heating of catalytically active metal species under MW irradiation was exploited in selective hydrogenation reaction catalysed by solid supported Palladium nanoparticles or by Copper nanoparticles [3].
20 mins
Up-scaled Supercritical Flow Synthesis for Production of Nanomaterials with Customized Properties
Ane Kristine Baden
Abstract: We present an unconventional production method of nanomaterials using supercritical fluids (SCF). The up-scalable flow synthesis, fig. 1, produces nanomaterials with a very precise control of the particle size and spatial distribution onto high surface area substrates. SCF share properties from gaseous and liquid phases, offering the opportunity to manipulate different media properties i.e. density, viscosity and diffusivity by controlling the pressure and temperature. Our flow reactor brings the solvents into the SC-phase, resulting in rapid mixing and heating of the reactants, producing instantaneous and controlled nucleation of nanoparticles. Many parameters affect the performance of nanomaterials; crystalline phases, particle sizes, atomic ratios and loading on a support. Flow SCF enables very precise control of the abovementioned parameters, minimizing waste of material during the fabrication process and, consequently, reducing costs. Furthermore, our process facilitates the synthesis of particles directly onto different supports, such as carbon, zeolites or oxides. Our flow reactor is designed to handle the extreme environment of the SCF (e.g. 200-300 bar and 350-400°C for scH2O), capable of producing up to 500 g/h of nanomaterials1. With our Supercritical flow synthesis, we have manufactured metallic nanoparticles as well as complex mixed oxides in industrial scale.