The design and testing of a solar-powered fiber-optic cable reactor prototype for the photocatalytic destruction of organic pollutants is presented. A concentrating collector directs sunlight into a fiber-optic cable which transmits light to a TiO2 photocatalyst immobilized on the fibers and immersed in a reaction solution. The performance of the reactor using solar and artificial UV radiation are compared. The system is also compared to another fiber-optic cable reactor having a 50 percent higher photocatalytic surface area-to-reactor volume ratio to investigate mass transport limitations. Reaction rates for the oxidation of 4-chlorophenol of 25 and 12 μMmin−1 were measured for solar and artificial UV sources, respectively. The faster reaction rate using solar radiation is due to a higher UV light flux compared to the artificial source. Both fiber-optic reactor systems were determined not to be mass transport limited. Relative quantum efficiencies of φ = 0.014 and φ = 0.020 were determined for the solar and artificial irradiations, respectively. In agreement with previous findings, enhanced quantum efficiencies are attributed to a lower absorbed light intensity-to-photocatalytic surface area ratio. The solar reactor prototype was found to degrade effectively 4-chlorophenol and may prove useful for the in situ passive decontamination of subsurface and other remote environments.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
August 1997
Research Papers
Solar-Powered Photocatalytic Fiber-Optic Cable Reactor for Waste Stream Remediation
N. J. Peill,
N. J. Peill
Environmental Engineering Science, W. M. Keck Laboratories, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125
Search for other works by this author on:
M. R. Hoffmann
M. R. Hoffmann
Environmental Engineering Science, W. M. Keck Laboratories, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125
Search for other works by this author on:
N. J. Peill
Environmental Engineering Science, W. M. Keck Laboratories, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125
M. R. Hoffmann
Environmental Engineering Science, W. M. Keck Laboratories, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125
J. Sol. Energy Eng. Aug 1997, 119(3): 229-236 (8 pages)
Published Online: August 1, 1997
Article history
Received:
October 1, 1996
Revised:
January 1, 1997
Online:
February 14, 2008
Citation
Peill, N. J., and Hoffmann, M. R. (August 1, 1997). "Solar-Powered Photocatalytic Fiber-Optic Cable Reactor for Waste Stream Remediation." ASME. J. Sol. Energy Eng. August 1997; 119(3): 229–236. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2888024
Download citation file:
Get Email Alerts
Mass Flow Control Strategy for Maximum Energy Extraction in Thermal Energy Storage Tanks
J. Sol. Energy Eng (December 2025)
Exergy Optimization of a Hybrid Multi-Evaporative Desalination Plant Powered by Solar and Geothermal Energy
J. Sol. Energy Eng (June 2025)
Correlation for Maximum Heat Transfer Between Fluidized Bed and Its Wall and Application to Solar Power Plants
J. Sol. Energy Eng (June 2025)
Related Articles
Design and Development of a Fiber-Optic Hybrid Day-Lighting System
J. Sol. Energy Eng (April,2018)
A Message From the Guest Editor
J. Sol. Energy Eng (May,2010)
Monte Carlo Radiative Transfer Modeling of a Solar Chemical Reactor for The Co-Production of Zinc and Syngas
J. Sol. Energy Eng (February,2005)
Editorial
J. Sol. Energy Eng (August,2004)
Related Chapters
The Nuclear and Related Industry
Decommissioning Handbook
Energy Balance for a Swimming Pool
Electromagnetic Waves and Heat Transfer: Sensitivites to Governing Variables in Everyday Life
NRC Requirements for Decommissioning
Decommissioning Handbook