Impinging jet micromixer for flow synthesis of nanocrystalline MgO: role of mixing/impingement zone

TitleImpinging jet micromixer for flow synthesis of nanocrystalline MgO: role of mixing/impingement zone
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2013
AuthorsKumar, DVRavi, Prasad, BLV, Kulkarni, AA
JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research
Volume52
Issue49
Pagination17376-17382
Date PublishedDEC
ISSN0888-5885
Abstract

Continuous flow synthesis of nanomaterials via sol-gel process using microreactors has not received much attention. For the synthesis of gels where the reaction time is of the order of few seconds to few tens of seconds, microchannel reactors are an excellent processing option. However since a `gel' does not `flow' easily, making it in a microchannel usually clogs the microchannel. We envisaged that by using an impinging jet micromixer, where the two reactants impinge and collide to form a mixing zone outside the micromixer, this problem could be circumvented. Here we report a successful implementation of continuous flow synthesis of metal oxides formed by the rapid sol-gel process taking the nanocrystalline MgO (NC-MgO) as a specific example. Furthermore, we clearly demonstrate that the nature of the mixing zone formed by the impinging jets governs the surface area of the product. Specific flow rate and impingement angle are identified that yield high surface area materials.

DOI10.1021/ie402012x
Type of Journal (Indian or Foreign)Foreign
Impact Factor (IF)2.235
Divison category: 
Chemical Engineering & Process Development
Physical and Materials Chemistry