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Title: Modeling and simulation of bi‐continuous jammed emulsion membrane reactors for enhanced biphasic enzymatic reactions
Abstract

Bi‐continuous jammed emulsion (bijel) membrane reactors, integrating simultaneous reaction and separation, offer a promising avenue for enhancing membrane reactor processes. In this study, we present a comprehensive macroscopic‐scale physicochemical model for tubular bijel membrane reactors and a numerical solution strategy for solving the governing partial differential equations. The model captures the co‐continuous network of two immiscible phases stabilized by nanoparticles at the liquid–liquid interface. We present the derivation of model equations and an efficient numerical solution strategy. The model is validated with experimental results from a conventional enzymatic biphasic membrane reactor for oleuropein hydrolysis, already reported in the literature. Simulation results indicate accurate prediction of reactor behavior, highlighting the potential superiority of bijel membrane reactors over current technologies. This research contributes a valuable tool for scale‐up, design, and optimization of bijel membrane reactors, filling a critical gap in this emerging field.

 
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Award ID(s):
2132141
NSF-PAR ID:
10527801
Author(s) / Creator(s):
 ;  ;  ;  ;  
Publisher / Repository:
Wiley Blackwell (John Wiley & Sons)
Date Published:
Journal Name:
AIChE Journal
ISSN:
0001-1541
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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