Electromagnetic model for local volumetric rate of photon absorption in heterogeneous photocatalysis

Abstract

Photocatalytic reactions are initiated at the instant that the catalyst particle absorbs a photon can generate charge carriers therein, therefore it is necessary to quantify the local volumetric rate of absorption of photons (LVRPA). Performance photocatalytic process can determine when the spatial and directional distributions of radiation are known in the suspension, partly solved the problem of the reaction rate. This relationship is described by (LVRPA) representing the spatial distribution or photonic availability in the reactor. Electromagnetic waves (photons) which are responsible of catalyst activation process when penetrating the medium, are dispersed, absorbed and reflected by the suspension. The electromagnetic model for determining the speed of photon absorption was developed based on the electrical and magnetic characteristics of the medium, considering factors phase and attenuation of the suspension to be treated. For this purpose was experimentally evaluated the permittivity, permeability and conductivity of the suspension. Six flows model was used to simulate the photonic absorption. The model developed is a new approach to those reported in the literature and validation showed acceptable deviation based on the data reported.