Porous Photocatalytic Membrane Microreactor (P2M2): A new reactor concept for photochemistry

In this study, a new membrane microreactor concept for multiphase photocatalytic reactions is demonstrated. Microfabrication, photocatalyst immobilization and surface modification steps were performed to develop a Porous Photocatalytic Membrane Microreactor (P2M2). This concept benefits from a stable gas–liquid–solid (G–L–S) interface allowing a continuous supply of gaseous reactants and a reduced light path. A surface modification technique was devised to alter the wetting conditions of the reactor wall. Through a complete hydrophobization and a selective hydrophilization step by use of UV-light, we obtained a hydrophobic porous membrane support with hydrophilic photocatalytic microchannels. The photocatalytic degradations of methylene blue and phenol were used as model reactions to test the device, demonstrating promising degradation performance. We further demonstrated the effect of additional oxygen supply to the performance of the reactor for both reaction systems.

► New microreactor design for photochemistry. ► Utilization of membrane technology in photocatalytic reactions. ► Selective surface modification and interface stabilization multiphase processes. ► Membrane assisted oxygen supply for photocatalytic degradation.