Photocatalytic Oxidation of Acetone Vapor on TiO2/ZrO2 Thin Films
The photocatalytic oxidation of acetone vapor on TiO2/ZrO2 thin films is presented in this study. Acetone conversion data collected using a non-circulating tubular reactor are analyzed using a general power law model and a Langmuir–Hinshelwood–Hougen–Watson (LHHW) model; the LHHW model provides a slightly better fit than the 1/2 order power law model. The effects of reaction temperature and relative humidity on the rate of reaction are presented. Using either kinetic model, increasing the reaction temperature from 30°C to 77°C (in a dry feed stream) significantly increases the reaction rate constant at a 95% confidence level; however, increasing the temperature from 77 to 113°C does not have a significant effect. The addition of water vapor (50% relative humidity) to the feed stream at 77°C significantly increases the reaction rate constant at a 95% confidence level. Also, at three different temperatures and a single reaction condition, the conversion of acetone is enhanced in the presence of water vapor. No byproducts are detected in the effluent stream of the photocatalytically active reactor.
