The degree of a photocatalytic reaction depends on the intensity of incoming light or number of photons. In many of traditional photostations, a major portion of light is not used as it does not reach the reaction zone thereby wasting a significant portion of light and energy, as well. In an effort to fabricate an energy efficient photostation, we have designed and 3D printed a photostation with parabolic reflective surface, so that all the incident light beams can reach the reaction zone. The photostation is fitted with two chips-on-board (COB) light emitting diodes (LEDs) reaching the total (visible) light intensity within the reaction zone over 290,000 lux (For comparison, it is commonly reported that the sun emits anywhere from 32,000 to 100,000 lux onto the Earth). Light simulation analysis confirmed that all incident light beams can reach the reaction zone of photostation. Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is a relatively new organic photocatalyst, which is very inexpensive to synthesize, stable, non-hazardous and has a low bandgap energy of 2.7-2.8 eV suggesting that it can be activated under visible light. In order to test the performance of this photostation, we used two composites of graphitic carbon nitride, including (i) 0.5 to 2 wt.% iron oxide doped g-C3N4, and (ii) electrospun nanofiber of g-C3N4 composite with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as the fiber matrix. One organic pollutant (dicamba, (3,6-Dichloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid) and one inorganic pollutant (hexavalent chromium) were successfully oxidized and reduced, respectively, by the carbon nitride composites within the 3D printed photostation. It has been confirmed experimentally that the rate of degradation of the pollutants is directly proportional to the light intensity and geometry of photostation thereby confirming the positive role of photostation design.

Design of a 3D printed and energy efficient photostation to improve photocatalytic activity of carbon nitride composites

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

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ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.