methodology where the volumes are sufficiently high and product changeovers are infrequent. Promethean is a global pioneer in the continuous flow manufacture of advanced materials, including MOFs. It operates the largest continuous multi-nanomaterial manufacturing plant in the world that utilises proprietary, patented reactors (see Figure 5 ). The continuous flow manufacturing process is a considerable advantage in large-scale, low-cost manufacturing of MOFs. Continuous flow hydrothermal synthesis provides a huge amount of process flexibility not afforded by other manufacturing methods. Each reaction stream can be independently controlled, including flow rate, temperature, pressure, and concentration. This process control yields quality advantages and the ability to tune MOF morphology as well as a significant input on cost performance. The continuous manufacturing process helps achieve orders of magnitude lower costs, and essentially renders Capex and conversion costs insensitive to the final product cost, a critical consideration when assessing how to efficiently scale into the millions of tonnes. Conclusion There are numerous technological approaches to address climate change, including energy efficiency improvements, fuel switching, and carbon capture. There is no single panacea solution to address a problem of
Down ow
T
MOF product out
MOF formation zone
Up ow
Figure 5 Schematic representation of a continuous flow MOF reactor
hold, and cool the reaction mixture provides little processing flexibility. Additionally, batch chemical processing can be much less efficient to scale and considerably more Capex intensive. Continuous flow manufacturing of MOFs It is broadly recognised in the chemical industry that continuous flow manufacturing is a more efficient, cost-effective production
Figure 6 Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of inconsistent particle size, left, and incomplete growth and agglomeration, right (Images obtained at The nmRC, University of Nottingham)
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