What does the future hold for microwave? "Microwave effect"

Although we use microwave heating for chemical processes worth millions of dollars, the mechanism of the microwave heating is not very well understood. Progress in measuring local temperatures in microwave-heated transformations will allow us to search for any non-thermal microwave effect. It will also allow the use of microwave synthesis and catalysis much more effectively and in many more systems. This has the potential to be the key to huge energy savings and maintain environmental sustainability. Recent progress in microwave spectroscopy shows that it can be used for analytical applications in challenging environments, and perhaps for the separation of enantiomers.We acknowledge EPSRC Grant No. EP/H008403/1 awarded to Professor Brian J. Howard (Oxford University), the Centre for Public Engagement (Queen Mary, University of London) for funding, and Lis Carter for help in the recording