Mathematical modelling of a self-oscillating catalytic reaction in a flow reactor

The article is devoted to the analysis of possible spatiotemporal kinetic structures that can arise during catalytic oxidation reactions on metal surfaces at atmospheric pressure. The catalytic oscillatory reaction in a flow reactor is modeled using a 1D system of equations of the reaction–diffusion–convection type. The STM type oscillatory reaction model of catalytic oxidation is used as a kinetic model. The obtained results of mathematical modelling show the decisive influence of an axial mixing in the reactor on the development of spatiotemporal structures. It is also shown that, depending on the ratio of adsorption constants of reacting species, three different isothermal spatiotemporal structures can arise, namely a spatially inhomogeneous stationary state, regular and aperiodic “breathing structures”.