Photocatalytic Reactions and Its Significance

A photocatalytic reactor is an ideal tool for ensuring a better rate of photocatalytic reaction and is useful in various applications, including R & D institutes, including educational and commercial as well. It is a handy instrument in numerous scientific and research studies that deal with photocatalytic reactions.

What is photochemical reaction?

The photochemical reactor is designed to accelerate the rate of photochemical reaction when confronted with a catalyst.

TiO2 (Titanium dioxide) is a well-known catalyst in a photochemical reaction. It works by absorbing UV (ultraviolet) radiation from natural sunlight and powerful artificial light sources (fluorescent lamps). In TiO2, the compounds are in either a ‘free’ state or a ‘bound’ state. Normally, the electron is in a ‘bound’ state due to its connection with the ion of crystal lattice substance, which is a significantly strong chemical bond.

An energy equivalent to just 3.2 eV (Electron Volts) is required to disconnect the electron from the lattice. Fortunately, a light quantum carries the same energy (wavelength of less than 390nm) and is used to clear an electron from the lattice to form a blank ‘hole’ which is devoid of an electron.

The electron and the empty hole are active inside the TiO2 particles. These results in both getting enjoined and regain their ‘bound’ state again or erupting from the surface captured.

The vacant particle and the electron are both highly reactive. Powerful field of oxidation develops on a comprehensive surface catalyst. When oxygen comes into contact with the catalyst surface, it adopts an electron in the ‘free’ state. This creates oxidative radical O- which is capable of destroying (or ‘oxidizing’) any organic compound.

Whereas the electron-less hole reacts with the first organic compound, it meets, on the surface. As the electron-less hole disconnects from the lattice, the compound resolves into water and carbon dioxide as a result.

As long as the photochemical reactor fulfilled with the light on the catalyst, the reaction continues.

Significance of Photocatalytic Reactors

An ideal photocatalytic rector helps students, academicians, and scientists with a perfect tool for the best photocatalytic reaction. The use of TiO¬2 (titanium dioxide) is significant in the self-cleaning glass, as the free radical O- generated from the TiO2 helps to the oxidized organic matter at an ideal rate.