Model‐Based Optimization of a Photocatalytic Reactor with Light‐Emitting Diodes

Abstract

The complicated interplay between mass and photon transfer within a photocatalytic reactor calls for an integrated design approach. A model-based optimization approach for LED-based photocatalytic reactors is presented. First, a model that describes the distribution of reactants and photons within a photocatalytic reactor is developed. Then, several design variables related to the reactor dimensions and light sources are optimized simultaneously using the photocatalytic degradation of toluene as a model system. The results demonstrate how different formulations of the problem can be used to either minimize the reactor cost or to obtain a specified concentration profile within the reactor.

An investigation of the role of pH in the rapid photocatalytic degradation of MCPA and its primary intermediate by low-power UV LED irradiation

“…With continued advancements in the field, there is now increased focus on developing systems that are both energy efficient and have a view towards larger scale deployment. The shift from traditional high-power arc lamps to low power or light emitting diode (LED) alternatives is evident in recent literature [18][19][20][21][22]. The advantages of a LED driven system go beyond the generic benefits of energy and cost efficiency and can include specific wavelength matching to catalyst bandgap to minimise 'wasted' photons, versatility and flexibility in geometrical LED arrays to improve light distribution and penetration, and narrow viewing angles to ensure direct irradiation of a specific catalytic area within a reactor.…”

Kinetic optimization of multilayered photocatalytic reactors

“…For the convection-diffusion-reaction equation, a distinction is made between the catalyst domain (the light absorbing domain) and the fluid domain. Khodadian et al [19,20] modeled a TiO 2 coated annular reactor. They assumed that all the emitted light energy was absorbed by the catalyst due to the reflectivity of the reactor.…”

Model-Based Analysis of the Photocatalytic HCl Oxidation Kinetics over TiO2

“…The modeling of photocatalytic processes has gained increasing interest in recent years. Kinetic modeling can help to identify suitable operation conditions, whereas computational fluid dynamics − and radiation field modeling , are frequently applied for optimizing photoreactors. To describe the kinetics, many researchers applied Langmuir–Hinshelwood models, although they are not ideal to describe the photon flux dependence of photocatalytic reactions because they do not consider photon absorption, charge-carrier generation, recombination, and trapping .…”