Luminous Monolithic Photocatalyst for Low-Light Gas-Phase Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Monolithic structures suffer from low light utilization efficiencies, similar to packed bed and annular reactors, despite having advantages in mass transfer and lower pressure drops.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising a photocatalyst, phosphor, and binder is used, where the phosphor's emission profile overlaps with the photocatalyst's light absorption profile, allowing for a luminous monolithic structure that maintains photocatalytic activity even after the light source is turned off, achieved through additive manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional monolithic structures are used, then mass transfer is improved and pressure drops are reduced, but light utilization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The monolithic structure incorporates phosphor particles with specific optical properties (emission profile overlapping with photocatalyst absorption profile) at strategic locations within the monolith. This local enhancement of optical properties allows improved light utilization in regions where light penetration is most effective, while maintaining the overall monolithic structure's superior mass transfer characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite monolithic structure combining photocatalyst material with phosphor particles. The phosphor particles (e.g., SrAlO4:Eu,Dy) emit light at wavelengths that match the photocatalyst's absorption spectrum, creating a light-harvesting composite system that maintains the monolithic structure's mechanical and flow advantages while enhancing optical efficiency.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If light source is turned off, then energy consumption is reduced, but photocatalytic activity stops
Solution Approach 1:
The phosphor particles are pre-excited by the light source before the photocatalytic reaction needs to continue. The phosphor stores optical energy in its phosphorescent state and releases it gradually after the external light source is turned off, extending the photocatalytic activity window without continuous energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The phosphor-mediated light emission continues the photocatalytic action after the external light source is removed. The phosphor's afterglow effect maintains sufficient light intensity for extended periods, ensuring continuous photocatalytic conversion of pollutants even when the primary light source is turned off.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The luminous monolithic structure achieves extended photocatalytic activity with improved light penetration and energy efficiency, enabling efficient gas-phase photocatalysis and conversion of pollutants like H2S to H2.
Implementation Method 1
the phosphor comprises an emission profile wavelength that overlaps with the wavelength of the light absorption profile of the photocatalyst
Implementation Method 2
the composition is photoluminescent
Implementation Method 3
the phosphor comprises an emission profile wavelength that overlaps with the wavelength of the light absorption profile of the photocatalyst
Implementation Method 4
enabling efficient gas-phase photocatalysis and conversion of pollutants like H2S to H2
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure encompasses monolithic compositions, compositions for preparing monolithic compositions, and methods of making and using the same. For example, in non-limiting, exemplary embodiments, the disclosure describes additive manufacturing inks, luminescent monolithic structures produced from said inks, and methods of making and using the same. For example, in some embodiments, the monolithic compositions described herein can perform gas-phase photocatalysis in the absence of light.