Tubular membrane-contactor for n-decane photocatalytic oxidation

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2025

Authors

Miranda, SM (Author) Other; Silva, TFCV (Author) Other; Vitor Vilar (Author) FEUP

Journal

Title: Chemical Engineering Science

Vol. 306

ISSN: 0009-2509

Publisher: Elsevier

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 0 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-017-V5N

DOI: 10.1016/j.ces.2025.121205

Abstract (EN): This study explores the application of a continuous tubular membrane-contactor for gas-phase photocatalytic oxidation of n-decane, operating under single-pass flow-through mode. The system features a TiO2-P25-coated porous membrane, concentrically inserted within a quartz sleeve, surrounded by four UVA lamps. A 10 nm pore sized ceramic ultrafiltration membrane (CUM) and a 1000 nm pore-sized stainless-steel membrane (SSM) were tested with different TiO2-P25 loadings under inside-out and outside-in permeation. Outside-in permeation, where gas entered through the illuminated annulus and exited through the membrane lumen-side, yielded higher reaction rates due to enhanced n-decane/active catalyst contact. While both membranes achieved similar efficiencies, SSM required higher TiO2-P25 mass, given its larger pore size. Under optimal conditions, CUM with 200 mg TiO2-P25 reached a 0.37 mu mol min-1 reaction rate and 97 %/84 % degradation/mineralization (15 ppm; 0.6 L min-1 ; 17 % relative humidity; 16.0 s residence time). The effect of feed flow rate, humidity, and n-decane concentration was also evaluated.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 11