Development and optimisation of a novel optical fibre photoreactor for photocatalytic applications
TiO2 nanoparticles are renowned for their excellent photocatalytic activity and capability to mineralise organic and inorganic pollutants to H2O and CO2 in air and water. Photocatalytic efficiency depends on both photocatalyst characteristics and the extent to which the particles are illuminated in a photoreactor. Optical fibres are a means of improving the latter issue.
In this work, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation was used to predict light distribution in a photoreactor space occupied by TiO2-coated glass beads irradiated by means of an optical fibre. In addition, the degradation of oxalic acid in the reactor was also modelled and the results were compared to experimental data.
Major achievements and highlights
The light distribution predicted by the radiation model is comparable to the experimental data.
The degradation profiles of oxalic acid obtained from CFD simulation exhibit similar profiles to the experimental data.
Future plans and directions
Provided that the prediction of the light distribution in the reactor is comparable to the experimental data, the radiation model and the chemical reaction model will be used to model a more complex optical fibre photoreactor such as the holey fibre photoreactor.
Collaborations
Collaborator |
Organisation |
A/Prof Vishnu Pareek |
Curtin University of Technology, WA |
A/Prof Gang Ding Peng |
UNSW |
