3-D printed microreactor for continuous flow oxidation of a flavonoid

The scope of the present study aims at demonstrating the application of 3-D printing technology for catalytic applications. A novel microreactor containing immobilized palladium nanocatalyst (Pd/Co₃O₄) was designed and fabricated in-house for the efficient upgrade of liquid phase morin oxidation from batch to flow procedure. Reaction conditions such as time, reaction temperature, catalyst amount and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) concentration were investigated to fully benchmark the catalytic efficiency in both systems. The conversion and the kinetic data obtained in both systems reveal that the reaction proceeds faster in the flow reactor compared to batch under similar reaction conditions. In addition to enhanced catalytic activity, the stability of both systems was evaluated exemplarily by recycling and reusing recovered catalyst. The microreactor demonstrates an extended service life based on the recyclability studies conducted. Based on these results, the simple, low-cost 3-D printed reactionwares described in this study appears as a promising approach for the oxidation of morin dye in continuous flow. [Figure not available: see fulltext.].