Preparation and characterization of alumina-based microreactors for application in methyl chloride synthesis

Microreactor platelets were coated with an alumina catalyst for use in methyl chloride synthesis. The coating was extensively characterized regarding its uniformity, thickness, and stability by using SEM, confocal microscopy, and EDX. The influence of the platelet pretreatment on the coating stability was investigated with different stability tests. A straightforward method to obtain a stable and uniform coating was developed, and the coated platelets were used for the synthesis of methyl chloride. The performance of the microreactor was compared with a tubular fixed bed reactor. The results obtained with both reactors were comparable, but the microreactor allows a rapid catalytic screening with a low consumption of chemicals.