Fractal Reactor in Micro-Scale for Process Intensification

Abstract

AbstractFractal theory, with its novel architectures inspired by nature, provides some novel concepts for smart reactor design. Here, researches on the applications of fractal theory to micro-reactor design are reviewed, in term of its high surface area-to-volume ratio, rapid and direct numbering-up, safety, and precise control. In addition, two designs of fractal micro-reactor are introduced as typical examples. First, the H-type fractal structure is considered in the context of the design of a double-plate micro-reactor, which is used for photocatalytic reactions of CO2. Second, applications of fractal Hilbert curves are considered in the design of channel structures for gas-liquid reactions. These two fractal micro-reactors can be fabricated via 3D printing technology and used for CO2conversion under mild conditions.