A meso-scale ultrasonic milli-reactor enables gas-liquid-solid photocatalytic reactions in flow

The handling of solid reagents, catalysts and by-products is a daunting challenge in continuous-flow micro- and milli-reactors. Suspensions tend to settle over time leading to irrevocable clogging of the reaction channels. Herein, we describe our efforts to develop an ultrasonic milli-reactor which can handle such challenging solid-containing transformations. The reactor consists of a Langevin-type transducer, a sonotrode and an irradiating cylinder, on which a coiled glass capillary (12.88 mL) was attached. The ultrasonic milli-reactor was combined with an LED illuminating box and its efficacy was showcased in the photocatalytic aerobic oxidation of benzyl alcohol enabled by TiO₂ particles exposed to UV-A irradiation. Ultrasound irradiation generates cavitation bubbles and causes a vigorous oscillation of both the cavitation and the Taylor bubbles. This improves the liquid mixing, the gas-liquid mass transfer and ensures resuspension of the settled particles. Moreover, these effects enhance the photon absorption by the semiconductor catalyst, which has an overall positive effect on the photocatalytic transformation.