Loss Mechanisms and Microwave‐Specific Effects in Heterogeneous Catalysis

Abstract

The fields of microwave chemistry and material processing have grown immensely since the 1990s, and considerations from a physicochemical point of view are advancing the microwave effect. When microwaves are used to irradiate dielectric materials, various phenomena occur according to the nature of the electromagnetic waves. This chapter describes three types of heating phenomena caused by microwaves: conduction loss heating, dielectric heating, and magnetic loss heating. It examines selective heating of a heterogeneous catalyst (metallic or organic catalyst) by the microwaves and explains various parts of microwave chemical equipment. Microwave organic synthesis systems have become fully automated by combining with robot technology. Organic syntheses have been carried out using some of the features of microwave heating. The efficiency of microwave heating changes according to the dielectric loss of a substance. Prompt and high-quality syntheses can be achieved using the microwave technique.