Figure 2
Experimental Apparatus.
(a) Schematic representation of the experimental apparatus together with results of finite element models of (i) the TM010 electric field distribution in the resonant microwave cavity, showing the highly uniform, axially polarised antinode in the region of the catalyst bed (high field in red), and (ii) the electric field energy density in the catalyst bed during microwave irradiation: Electric field enhancement at particle surfaces is clearly visible (high field in red, low field energy in blue), which could have a dramatic influence upon the local catalyst environment. Note also a synergistic, cooperative effect between neighbouring catalyst particles. (b) Pictorial representation of the hydrogen evolution reaction from the microwave-assisted catalytic decomposition of paraffin wax on carbon-supported metal catalyst.
