Chemical and (Photo)‐Catalytical Transformations in Photonic Crystal Fibers

Abstract

The concept of employing photonic crystal fibers for chemical and (photo)-catalytical transformations is presented. These optofluidic microdevices represent a versatile platform where light and fluids can interact for spectroscopic or photoactivation purposes. The use of photonic crystal fibers in chemistry and sensing is reviewed and recent applications as catalytic microreactors are presented. Results on homogeneous catalysis and the immobilization of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts in the fiber channels are discussed. The examples demonstrate that combining catalysis and the excellent light guidance of photonic crystal fibers provides unique features for example, for photocatalytic activation and quantitative photospectroscopic reaction analysis

Stable Immobilization of Size‐Controlled Bimetallic Nanoparticles in Photonic Crystal Fiber Microreactor

“…In a former contribution, we proved that our HC‐PCF can be turned into a heterogeneous catalytic microreactor . This was achieved by developing a technique based on wet‐impregnation with salt solutions to in situ grow catalyst nanoparticles on the walls of the fiber . This process allowed the uniform deposition of Rh nanoparticles (NPs) over extended lengths of the HC‐PCF microreactor.…”

“…Recently, a new concept of an optofluidic microreactor based on a hollow‐core photonic crystal fiber (HC‐PCF) has been developed , . HC‐PCFs are optical fibers that consist of a microscale central hollow core surrounded by a cladding formed by an array of channels running along the entire length of the fiber (Fig.…”

“…Importantly, the system also allows in situ reaction monitoring by absorption spectroscopy, with sensitivities not attainable with conventional systems. These unique features have motivated the use of various types of HC‐PCFs as highly‐sensitive chemical sensors and microreactors for photochemistry and catalysis , .…”

All-fiber lasers through photonic crystal fibers

“…Moreover, it presents noteworthy advantages like less interaction between guided light and material forming the fiber, therefore increasing threshold powers for lasing based in nonlinear effects, allowing high power transmission [18]; the ability to fill the core of the fiber with gases and liquids leading to study gas-based nonlinear optics [20], optical tweezers propulsion and particle guidance in liquids [43] and even photochemical reactions [44]; filtering away unwanted wavelengths since this fiber only works in a precise range of wavelengths, and thus allowing applications like selective sensing of antibodies [45] and gases detection [46]; and extremely small Fresnel reflections, since the refractive index discontinuity Brought to you by | Tulane University Authenticated Download Date | 10/19/14 10:41 PM between the outside world and the fiber mode can be very tiny, leading to the possibility of using these fibers as displacement sensors [47].…”

An Optical Microreactor Enabling In Situ Spectroscopy Combined with Fast Gas‐Liquid Mass Transfer

“…Advantageous are the precise control of reaction parameters, high reactor surface‐to‐volume ratio, enhanced mass‐ and heat‐transfer and minimal sample consumption . Recently, realizing light/sample interaction in micro‐scale reactors has also become a highly attractive possibility enabling in situ spectroscopy and/or photo activation in novel optofluidic , and continuous‐flow , devices. Examples of their application can be found in multiphase photo‐driven processes, in areas, such as sensing, biomedicine, organic chemical synthesis, materials science, water treatment, and conversion and storage of solar energy , .…”