Development of a stagnation point flow system to screen and test TiO2-based photocatalysts in air purification applications

An innovative system suitable for the abatement of VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), using photo catalysis under UV light, was designed and built. The design of the reactor is based on the stagnation point flow geometry and the fluid dynamics of the system was carefully investigated in order to avoid mass transfer limitations. The proportions of the elements in the reactor were adjusted in order to homogenize the UV irradiation on the catalyst surface. The supports used for the coating of the catalysts were aluminum plates in order to accurately reproduce industrial conditions. After each test, the catalytic plate was examined to evaluate the mechanical strength of the bonding between the catalyst powder and the metallic support. The coating proved to be sufficiently stable for tests in the designed set up. The potential scale-up of the features of the system was considered throughout the design and especially the power of the UV lamps was decided in order to be representative of the industrial cases. In order to evaluate the suitability of the system for catalysis investigations, various photocatalysts, both synthesized and commercial, were screened. Analyzing the activity results, using acetyl aldehyde as a model VOC, it was possible to evaluate clear differences between the samples and P90 proved to be the most active sample. All the aspects investigated in this work demonstrate that the design of the reactor is in accordance with the expectations and that the system is suitable for screening and testing of photocatalysts for VOCs removal applications. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.