NOVEL SOLAR PHOTOCATALYTIC REACTOR FOR DESTRUCTION OF AQUEOUS PHASE ORGANIC POLLUTANTS

摘要

A simple, efficient and economic Solar Photocatalytic Reactor was developed to destroy aqueous phase organic pollutants. An innovative solar technology is used to exploit the inexpensive and abundant solar radiation, for activating the photocatalyst, which destroys organic pollutants. This photoreactor was fabricated without any 'ultraviolet transparent wall' by constructing a 'Water-Bell Fountain' in a shallow pond. The 'Fountain' is like a hemisphere and independent of the position of the sun, it receives optimum solar radiation at all times. The 'Fountain' keeps the wastewater containing the organic pollutants and the photocatalyst in the form of thin films. Since the solar light photons is able to get to the catalyst surface efficiently and the photocatalytic reactions occur almost exclusively on the surface of the photocatalyst in the presence of oxygen, the most effective use of solar light photons by the photocatalyst is achieved. Scale-up is simple, inaddition this technology allows upgradation of existing treatment plants. In tropical countries, it is cheaper and ideal.