A Model of a Phase Transfer Catalyst Liquid/Liquid Electrochemical Membrane Reactor

Abstract

Problems of phase contacting with reaction between aqueous based reagents and immiscible organics using mixer settlers or staged contactors can be overcome by membrane reactors. The membrane with high specific area, provides a stable interface for reagent transfer and reaction. After reaction between reagent (typically a redox species) and organic, regeneration of the reagent is achieved electrochemically. A general mathematical model is developed for a membrane based reaction between an organic species, of low solubility in the aqueous phase with a redox agent. The reaction in the organic phase employs a phase transfer catalyst to facilitate transfer of the aqueous based reactant into the organic phase. The important parameters in the model(s) are identified and their influence described through simulations of the model. The effect of using either a hydrophobic or hydrophilic membrane is discussed.