Alternative reaction engineering concepts in partial oxidations on oxidic catalysts

The production of organic oxygenates by partial oxidation on oxidic catalysts is of considerable industrial importance. Excellent selectivities and yields are often obtained in multitubular reactors due to high performance catalysts. However, there are several processes, e.g., the production of maleic anhydride and phthalic anhydride, where the product yield could be enhanced and improvements are desirable. Various reaction engineering concepts are proposed for that purpose, from reactor structuring to electrochemical promotion. In this article, the actual state of these efforts, which are often at the very beginning, is reviewed.