A review on microcombustion: Fundamentals, devices and applications

Microcombustion research has flourished over the past decade. Yet, most of the commercial potential of microcombustion is still to come. Aside from portable electronics, emerging drivers stem from the energy problem of declining fossil fuel reserves and their large environmental footprint upon combustion. The need to capitalize on underutilized energy sources and renewables further stimulate energy research in microsystems. In this review paper, technological drivers, applications, devices, and fabrication protocols of microburners are presented. Then, a review of homogeneous, catalytic, homogeneous-heterogeneous and heat recirculating microburners is given. Results are presented that interpret literature findings. An outlook of microcombustion research is finally outlined. © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.