Generation of Nitrous oxide (N2O, 'laughing gas') in a Flow Reactor (funded by BASF)

一氧化二氮(N2O，“笑气”)是一种广泛使用的液态碳氢化合物选择性氧化剂(如环己烯到环己酮)。尽管通过硝酸铵的热分解生成一氧化二氮是一个众所周知的过程，但出于安全考虑，该反应目前是在常压下进行的，在使用之前，必须压缩和冷却一氧化二氮，然后才能进行存储。该项目的目标是在本质上安全的流动反应器系统中，基于硝酸铵的热分解，发现和开发在液体中产生N2O的方法。硝酸铵的分解将首先在高压(例如100巴)下进行，可以使用流动反应器来安全地进行分解，以控制热失控的危险，从而能够按需生成N2O以供立即使用。进一步的步骤将包括设计和优化分解反应，以及展示该方法的成本效益及其在样本氧化步骤中的直接使用。项目背景和机会：该项目是一个含有大量化学成分的化学工程项目。它非常适合寻求在化学工程-化学接口跨学科工作的候选人。成功的候选人将能够与这一更广泛的活动互动，并利用这一活动的好处。在实习期间，将有机会(S)在巴斯夫组织内实习(总计为期一年)。

Nitrous oxide (N2O, 'laughing gas') is a widely used selective oxidant of hydrocarbons in a liquid phase (e.g. Cyclohexene to Cyclohexanone). Although the generation of nitrous oxide by thermal decomposition of ammonium nitrate is a well-known process, due to safety concerns the reaction is currently carried out under ambient pressure and the nitrous oxide must be compressed and cooled before storage can take place, prior to use. The goal of this project is to discover and develop the generation of N2O in a liquid phase, based upon the thermal decomposition of ammonium nitrate in an inherently safe flow reactor system. The decomposition of ammonium nitrate will be at first carried out under high pressure (e.g. 100 bar), which can be performed safely using a flow-reactor to control the hazards of thermal runaway, thus enabling 'on-demand' generation of N2O for immediate use. Further steps will include the design and optimisation of the decomposition reaction as well as demonstration of the cost-effectiveness of the approach and its direct use in exemplar oxidation steps. Project context and opportunities: The project is a Chemical Engineering project with substantial chemistry components. It is very well suited to candidates seeking to work across disciplines at the Chemical Engineering - Chemistry interface. The successful candidate will be able to interact with, and leverage the benefits of, this wider activity. There will be opportunities for placement(s) (total of up to one year duration) within the BASF organisation during the studentship period.