Finding the Reaction Scheme for Photocatalytic Oxidation of Phenol

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the photocatalytic oxidation of phenol, specifically utilizing the Compound Parabolic Concentrator for solar water detoxification. The Lambert-Beer model is employed to understand photon absorption, although the author lacks experimental data on light absorption characteristics of the media. The choice of reactor geometry is debated, with tubular reactors preferred for their pressure resistance, yet they face challenges with uneven photocatalyst irradiation. The author seeks a reliable reaction scheme and kinetic model, referencing relevant literature for guidance.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of photocatalytic processes
  • Familiarity with the Lambert-Beer model
  • Knowledge of reactor design principles, particularly tubular vs. flat plate configurations
  • Experience with kinetic modeling in chemical reactions
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the "photocatalytic oxidation of phenol" for comprehensive reaction schemes
  • Study the "Compound Parabolic Concentrator" design for solar applications
  • Explore experimental methods for verifying photocatalytic models
  • Investigate the effects of reactor geometry on photocatalytic efficiency
USEFUL FOR

Chemical engineers, researchers in photocatalysis, and professionals involved in water treatment and environmental remediation will benefit from this discussion.

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TL;DR
Modelling and designing of photoreactor for phenol degradation in wastewater using MATLAB
I researched the solar collectors implemented in practice for water detoxification and I found out that the preferred design is the Compound Parabolic Concentrator. Knowing that I have no information regarding radiation beyond what's taught generally in heat transfer courses in chemical engineering to understand the models that describe the possible attenuation from absorption of photons by reacting molecules. I decided to use the simplest model of all, Lambert-Beer model, which consider that light passes through a fully homogenous media, and that no scattering takes place. But since I am not experimentally investigating phenol degradation I don't know whether the media partially absorbs light or is non-absorbing. Also, I decided to apply the catalyst as a thin fixed-film instead of a suspended form.

I also haven't decided on the geometry of the reactor I will work with, flat or tube. However, I found out that the tube is a natural choice for design because it is able to withstand the operating pressures anticipated for fluid circulation but one of the main limits of tubular configuration is the uneven or partial photocatalyst's irradiation. Moreover, the uneven flow distribution also limits the amount of water in contact with the photocatalyst, negatively influencing the overall photoreactor performances.

where can I find the reaction scheme for the photocatalytic oxidation of phenol to derive the kinetic model?
 
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Google 'photocatalytic oxidation of phenol' and you will find things like...
“Photocatalytic Oxidation of Phenol:  Reaction Network, Kinetic Modeling, and Parameter Estimation”
https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/ie0611960
 
Thank you @Baluncore, this paper will help me in designing the reactor, as it provides experimental data reporting the intermediates produced in phenol degradation. However, I am working on this paper where the geometry of the reactor specified in the paper is a flat plate reactor, and the catalyst is support instead of suspended in the solution to be treated. Also, the below paper does not contain experimental data to verify the model against and I think it assumes that phenol is degraded to CO2 and that no intermediates are produced which is not very accurate.

The paper you have mentioned does not take into account the interaction of photons with the photocatalyst and the order the rate of reaction depends on radiation.
What do you advise me to do?

https://repository.tudelft.nl/islandora/object/uuid:12394dce-a714-4282-8930-93e09e932793
 

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