Design, characterization and model validation of a LED-based photocatalytic reactor for gas phase applications

Journal article (2018)

Authors

F. Khodadadian Intensified Reaction and Separation Systems - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
M.W. de Boer Applied Sciences
A. Poursaeidesfahani Engineering Thermodynamics - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
J.R. van Ommen ChemE/Product and Process Engineering - AS
A.I. Stankiewicz Intensified Reaction and Separation Systems - Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering
Richard Lakerveld The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Research Group
Intensified Reaction and Separation Systems (Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering) (TU Delft)
Parameter estimation Photocatalysis Light emitting diodes Model validation Volatile organic compounds Toluene oxidation
More Info
expand_more

Published Date

2018

Language

English

Reuse Rights

Other than for strictly personal use, it is not permitted to download, forward or distribute the text or part of it, without the consent of the author(s) and/or copyright holder(s), unless the work is under an open content license such as Creative Commons.

Faculty

Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering

Department

Process and Energy

Research Group

Intensified Reaction and Separation Systems

Abstract

The design and operation of reactors for photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants remains challenging due to the complex interplay of photon, mass, and heat transfer. An integrated process model including a radiation field, reaction kinetics, and material balances of an annular LED-based photocatalytic reactor for photocatalytic degradation of toluene is validated using experimental data from a mini-pilot plant. A particular emphasis is on the effect of water on reaction kinetics, toluene conversion, mineralization, and catalyst deactivation, which is currently not well understood. The results from parameter estimation demonstrate that a competitive reaction rate model describes the experimental data with varying water concentration best. Furthermore, experimental trends demonstrate that toluene conversion is highest at low water concentrations, however, mineralization and catalyst lifetime are enhanced by the presence of water. The validation of the integrated process model and understanding of the role of water allow for improved design and operation of future photocatalytic reactors.