Development and optimisation of a novel optical fibre photoreactor for photocatalytic application
This project studies the potential for using optical fibres as light waveguides in gas- and aqueous-phase photocatalytic reactors. Optical fibres present a means of ensuring that the photocatalyst materials are more thoroughly illuminated.
Major achievements
Modelling of an aqueous-phase coated glass bead photoreactor using optical fibres as the light source has been performed. Development of channelled optical fibre reactor for gas-phase photodegradation of ethylene has been completed. Reactor displays very high quantum efficiencies due to reduced UV-light loss to the surrounds.
The results have been published in Chemical Engineering Science.
Future plans and directions
Further improvement and optimisation on the channelled optical fibre reactor design and to publish findings in Environmental Science and Technology.
Collaborations
Prof Gang Ding Peng Optical Communications Group, UNSW
Dr Vishnu Pareek Department of Chemical Engineering, Curtin University of Technology
