Abstract
A batch-process with a dispersed solid photocatalyst requires a large reactor and unit process for catalyst recovery, increasing the treatment cost. Structured-supported photocatalysts enable the use of continuous compact reactors that are photoactivated by solar energy and promote process intensification. In the present work, TiO2-films supported on polyethylene terephthalate (TiO2/PET) in sheets and monolithic shapes were prepared from reused PET-bottles. The preparation method was based on a washcoating of a TiO2 suspension with different formulations (additives and loaded photocatalyst) aiming at proper adherence. The use of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as an additive in the TiO2 dispersion was assessed to obtain a homogeneous coating. The effects of sheets and monolith dimensions, as well as the mass of deposited TiO2 over the PET-substrate, on the dye degradation performance were studied. The TiO2/PET sheets and monoliths showed homogeneous overlay and good stability after 5 cycles of use. The TiO2/PET monolith showed a degradation of approximately 30 % and 75 % for the initial dye concentrations of 25 and 15 mg L−1, respectively. The monolith-type immobilized systems proved to be a promising technology due to their low cost and low use of reactants and catalysts. Furthermore, this type of system is more promising for continuous processes.
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