Microwave heating in high pressure reaction vessels

Abstract

We report the use of microwave -hydrothermal processing to synthesize various ceramic powders. Microwave-hydrothermal processing is compared with conventional hydrothermal processing in the crystallisation of MoO₂. The presence of microwave field leads to accelerated kinetics of crystallization of the finely divided molybdenum dioxide particles. Existing microwave heated pressure vessels for chemical synthesis cannot be used above 250 MPa and 270°C because they contain parts made of polymeric materials. The objective of this work is to associate a microwave source to a high pressure vessel in a way such that it might be used to carry out reactions in aqueous media at pressures around 100 MPa and temperatures above the critical point of water.

Key Words:

• Solvothermal
• Microwaves
• Synthesis
• Powders
• Pressure vessel
• Internal heating