New photocatalytic reactors for destruction of toxic water pollutants

Abstract

Recent literature has established the potential of semiconductor photocatalysis technology to completely destroy toxic pollutants dissolved or dispersed in water into harmless substances. However, to date no viable pilot plant exists using this technology. In this paper, designs of two new photocatalytic reactors for water treatment are presented. One reactor consists of several hollow tubes employed as a means of light delivery to the catalyst present on the outside surface of the tubes, while the other design uses new extremely narrow diameter lamps. Experiments performed in both reactor configurations showed very promising results.