SMDR · Spinning Mesh Disc Reactors: A New Paradigm for Photocatalytic and Enzymatic Reaction Intensification

Periodic Report Summary 1 - SMDR (Spinning Mesh Disc Reactors: A New Paradigm for Photocatalytic and Enzymatic Reaction Intensification)

This project aims to develop and fully characterise a revolutionary new process intensification technology for both chemical and biochemical reactors: the spinning mesh disc reactor (SMDR). The reactor is a step change improvement on the spinning disc reactor technology for reactions using thin film nanostructured catalysts or enzymes, by supporting these in a mesh that increases surface area and protects the catalyst from deactivation by hydrodynamic forces. This project will design, model and experimentally evaluate the SMDR in: (1) semiconductor nanostructured photocatalytic systems for the degradation of trace pharmaceuticals in wastewaters, and (2) enzymatic biochemical transformations of waste oils. At this midway point, the main outcomes are: • The SMDR for photocatalysis has been shown to be superior to other photoreactors through enhanced reaction rates and as the only photocatalytic reactor that does not need added oxidant, since the disc action self-oxygenates the reactor fluid. Mesh grooves in the disc enhance the reaction rate further (through increased catalyst surface area, better mixing and more continuous liquid film coverage), increasing wastewater treatment effectiveness. • The SMDR for enzyme biochemical produces enhanced reaction rates compared to conventional enzyme reaction systems. For a model reaction (tributyrin oil hydrolysis) the conversion and reaction rates in the SMDR were significantly higher than that in a conventional batch reactor under comparable conditions. The SMDR stabilised immobilized lipase in the reactor also, minimising deactivation. A range of mesh materials were found to be effective, including wool, polyester and nylon. This has therefore already created a new state-of-the art in spinning disc reactor technologies – structured discs in the form of meshes have been shown to provide significant advantages over simple planar disc surfaces. This process intensification concept can be readily extended to other chemo-catalysed and enzyme-catalyzed reactions, where enhanced mass transfer and catalyst stability is needed. In addition to the world-leading research platform this grant is key to building, this support has enabled Dr Patterson to extend his collaborative network into Europe and Worldwide (including a Visiting Professorship at UCLM in Spain), and provided the opportunities to network (through conference and workshop attendance) to find further opportunities for joint research and grant applications. Public dissemination (such as at the Bath Pint of Science Festival and via press releases) has also allowed him to bring his work to a wider audience. Moreover, the stability and opportunities of this grant have also allowed Dr Patterson’s wider research platform to flourish in Europe, with further major grants in Membrane Science and Technology resulting (including a Horizon 2020 ERC Consolidator Grant – TUNEMEM). Within the University of Bath, Dr Patterson has been given senior leadership responsibilities, including being the Director of Research for Chemical Engineering and Director of the Centre for Advanced Separations Engineering. All of these outcomes and opportunities for career integration and enhancement combined have provided the necessary career development to enable an application for a full Professorship at Bath to be submitted within the next year.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union