Results from a first autonomous optically adapted photocatalytic–photovoltaic module for water purification

First results from a first autonomous optically adapted photocatalytic–photovoltaic system for water purification demonstrate the feasibility of the concept. Complete photodegradation of an organic dye (Methylene Blue) has been achieved when using the system autonomously. For an initial concentration of 0.01 g/L of MB dye and an average UV of 4.6 W/m2, the total photodecolourisation of the dye after 80 min was 95.1% and the increase in the total photovoltaic output power was of 19%. 5 L of polluted water was purified.

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► Results from a first autonomous SOLWAT show the feasibility of the initial concept.
► Commercial TiO2 suspended nanoparticles have been used as a photocatalyst.
► Methylene Blue, an organic dye, has been used as a pollutant.
► When dye decolourisation is complete, the PV output increases between 19% and 25%.
► SOLWAT could serve as a clean water sensor for solar water treatment systems.