Introduction
What is an oxidation reaction?
An oxidation reaction is a reaction of a substance with oxygen
For example: C + O2 ®D
We call this ‘C oxidation reaction’
So why do we want to oxidize ammonia?
Ammonia oxidation will give us nitric oxide, which we can make profit of, that’s why. People have been doing this for more than 50 years. It works!!!
Tell me more about this reaction!
4NH3(ammonia) + 5O2(oxygen) ® 4NO(nitric oxide) + 6H2O(water) + 904 kJ
This reaction is the one that we really want, but, unfortunately, there are some other reactions take place at the same time. Those reactions consume NH3 or NO, or both, which reduce the product. We call these reactions side reactions. There are several side reactions, two of which are considered in this project.
4NH3 (ammonia)+ 6NO(nitric oxide) ® 5N2 (nitrogen)+ 6H2O(water) + 1816 kJ
2NH3(ammonia) ® N2(nitrogen) + 3H2(hydrogen) – 94 kJ
Why microreactor?
You might notice that Reaction 1 and 2 are strongly exothermic(giving out heat). If we don't remove the heat instantly, the temperature will go very high and could be dangerous. Microreactor is such a reactor that has potential advantages of better control of reaction conditions, improved safety, and portability. That's why we use microreactor here.
Want to know more? Just go ahead!(Note: Undergraduate ChE only. High school guy, come here!)