Validation of a newly developed FTIR in situ reactor: Real time study of photocatalytic degradation of nitric oxide

For many years, photocatalysis has been proposed as one of the promising techniques to abate environmental pollutants. To improve these reactions it is vital to know the reaction mechanisms of the photocatalytic degradation. This new reactor will make it possible to study the catalytic surface at the moment the reactions occur. By the means of UV LED illumination there is no need of an external UV lamp and thus lowers the cost. The validation of this newly developed reactor is done by investigating the photocatalytic reaction mechanism of nitric oxide (NO) and comparing these findings with those already discussed in literature. From these results, it became clear that the newly developed FTIR in situ reactor allows real time study of photocatalytic degradations.

Research highlights► FTIR in situ reactor for real time study of sold-gas phase interactions. ► Internal UV LED illumination parallel with IR light. ► Self-supporting TiO2 disks confirm NO removal mechanism.