UV photocatalytic oxidation of paint solvent compounds in air using an annular TiO2-supported reactor

Abstract

BACKGROUND: One of the most important industrial sources of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) is related to coating and painting applications. In this sense, photocatalytic oxidation can become an innovative and promising alternative for the remediation of air polluted by VOCs. In this study the UV photodegradation of m-xylene, toluene and n-butyl acetate, as representative compounds of paint solvents, was carried out in an annular reactor using a TiO2–glass wool supported catalyst. RESULTS The removal of each component and their mixture, simulating an industrial emission, was evaluated under different operational conditions. A maximum elimination capacity of 12, 18 and 80 mg C m−3 s−1 was reached for m-xylene, toluene and n-butyl acetate, respectively. A simple Langmuir–Hinshelwood kinetic model was used to match the experimental data. Photocatalytic oxidation was found to be more effective for all compounds when humidified air was used. CONCLUSIONS: No mass transfer limitation was found under the experimental conditions. n-butyl acetate was the easiest to degrade and m-xylene the most recalcitrant. In the abatement of the mixture, competitive adsorption between the pollutants was observed, with the degradation of toluene especially hindered. A nearly linear correlation was found between the UV light intensity and kinetic constants. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry