Objective
1. To develop a microchannel compact reactor system suitable for use in three phase catalytic air oxidation reactions. The geometry will be optimized to provide precise control of the oxygen concentration along the reaction pathway whilst providing enhanced gas-liquid-solid mixing and improved heat transfer.
2. To develop the spherical mesoporous carbon catalyst support system required by the microchannel geometry for the two classes of oxidation reactions with the precisely tailored micro-rneso pore structure required for optimum catalyst performance.
3.To develop the bimetallic (eg. Pt-Bi) catalyst systems that in conjunction with the optimized support and reactor will give the required performance in fine chemical and pharmaceutical manufacture