Photochemical reactor and method for carrying out photochemical reactions therein

摘要

An apparatus for carrying out a photochemical reaction incorporates a housing (11) and a lid (15), removably affixed thereto, which together define a reaction chamber (20). The lid has an axial opening (26) therein for the passage of a light beam therethrough. Means for transmitting light energy (30) within the reaction chamber (20) having a tapered end (31) optically communicating in a sealed disposition with the axial opening (26), extends into the reaction chamber (20) and terminates in a uniquely configured end (32). The light beam received by the tapered end (31) of the means for transmitting light energy (30) is controllably dispersed within the reaction chamber (20) by the uniquely configured end (32). As such, it is possible to use an external light source to activate a photochemical reaction of the reactants, and/or a photocatalyst, contained within the reaction chamber (20). Methods for carrying out photochemical reactions in the aforementioned apparatus are likewise embodied herein.