For episode 2 of the Modern Chemistry show, I interviewed RUSSELL TAYLOR, Lecturer in Synthetic Inorganic Chemistry & ESPRC Manufacturing Fellow and SAM RAYNES, Ph.D. student. Both at Durham University, UK.
During the discussion, we mention a few terms-
• Batch reaction/batch reactor – A batch reaction is one where all the ingredients are placed in a single vessel, often heated to allow the reaction to take place. Once the reaction is finished, the end products are collected and usually further purified. A batch reactor is the vessel used. More information can be read here - http://www.essentialchemicalindustry.org/processes/chemical-reactors.html
• Flow reactor/Flow Chemistry – Flow chemistry or continuous chemistry is where the ingredients for the reaction are continually pumped into a reaction chamber. The reaction chamber is often some form of a tube, with a catalyst held in place. The reaction chamber is often heated and/or pressurized and the resulting product will continuously flow out of the reactor, as long as source ingredients are fed in. More information can be found on Wikipedia here - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flow_chemistry
• Autoclave – In this specific example, it refers to a type of batch reactor used at small scale. After the reaction ingredients are added, the autoclave is sealed and can be heated and pressurized to drive the reaction. For examples of these types of reactors look at https://www.helgroup.com/reactor-systems/hydrogenation-catalysis/catalyst-screening/
• Catalyst – A Catalyst is something used to increase the rate of a chemical reaction. The catalyst itself is not used up in the reaction. The Wikipedia page for catalysis (the process of using a catalyst) is https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalysis
• BioEthanol – Ethanol is a common alcohol with two carbon atoms, with the molecular formula C2H6O2. Bioethanol is a term used to described ethanol produced by the microbial digestion of waste or unwanted plant material. Although it has many potential uses, most commonly it used as an additive in petroleum fuels to reduce the requirements for use of mined petroleum-based fuels.
• Butanol – Butanol is an alcohol with four carbon atoms, with the molecular formula C4H9OH. Although most commonly derived from petrochemical, in the context of this discussion, it can be made by joining two molecules of ethanol together.
• Zeolites – Russel describes zeolites well in the podcast and if you’re interested in hearing more, then check out the Federation of European Zeolite Associations at http://www.feza-online.eu/index.php
You can find out more information about Rusell and Sam on:
Russell’s research group at https://www.dur.ac.uk/chemistry/staff/profile/?id=14184
Russell is on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-taylor-aab80140/
Sam is also on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuelraynes/
Our theme music is "Wholesome" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com)
Music from https://filmmusic.io
License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
Connect with me (Paul) at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulorange/
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