Enhancing reaction rates

Abstract

Abstract Process and apparatus for effecting a chemical reaction in an electrically uncharged reactant to produce a product by introducing reactant into a chemical reactor having walls defining a chamber, a reaction zone within the chamber, and an inlet to admit reactant to the chamber, a first electrode and a second electrode spaced therefrom, the electrodes being opposed across the reaction zone, a supporting structure of electrically non-conductive material supported between the electrodes and in the reaction zone, the structure having channels for passage of reactant and product material, a plurality of electrically conductive particles separately supported on the structure, the particles being electrically insulated one from another and having surface portions exposed to direct contact with reactant in the channels, the surface portions having catalytic effect which is enhanced by changing the electric charge on the surface portions, and means connected to the electrodes for establishing an electrical potential difference between said electrodes. Reactant is brought into contact with said surface portions of said particles while simultaneously applying an electric potential difference across the electrodes to produce an electric field which changes the charge on said exposed surface portions of the electrically conductive particles and thereby enhances the catalytic effect of said exposed surface portions in producing the product.

Inventors

• 👤 Richard N Foster
• 👤 John B Butt

Bibliographic Details