Understanding Monolith

Photoreactors for Process

Intensification in CO₂ Capture

BT20CME058 Mo Tanzeem
BT20CME076 Rajhans
Importance of Process Intensification
Enhanced Efficiency Environmental Impact

Process intensification enhances CO2 capture It plays a vital role in reducing the environmental
efficiency, reducing energy consumption and footprint by optimizing capture processes.
operational costs.
Overview of Monolith Photoreactors
1 Photocatalysis
A monolithic photoreactor is utilized in
chemical processes, primarily in
photocatalysis.
3 Technology Advancement
Monolith photoreactors are advanced structures
designed for efficient CO2 capture and
conversion processes.
2 Functional Design
Its design offers a large surface area for
catalyst interaction with reactants..
4 Advantages
The monolithic structure allows for better
control of reaction parameters such as
residence time, flow rate, and light intensity
Working Principle of Monolith
Photoreactors
Light Absorption
Highly porous structure facilitates efficient light absorption for CO2 conversion.

Catalytic Conversion
Specialized catalysts enable the rapid conversion of captured CO2 into valuable
compounds.
Working of Monolith Photoreactors
Monolith Structure: The term "monolith" refers to a single, solid structure. In the context of a photoreactor,
this typically means a solid substrate made of a material that can absorb light and support the desired
chemical reactions. Common materials include ceramics, glass, or metal oxides.

Photocatalyst Coating: The monolith structure is often coated with a thin layer of a photocatalyst material.
Photocatalysts are substances that can absorb light and use its energy to initiate chemical reactions. Common
photocatalysts include titanium dioxide (TiO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), and various metal oxides or sulfides.

Light Source: Monolith photoreactors rely on a light source to provide the energy needed for the
photocatalytic reactions to occur. Typically, this light source is either natural sunlight or artificial light such
as UV lamps or LEDs. The choice of light source depends on the specific photocatalyst used and the desired
reaction conditions.
Working of Monolith Photoreactors
Chemical Reactions: When light strikes the photocatalyst-coated surface of the monolith, it excites
electrons in the photocatalyst material, creating electron-hole pairs. These excited electrons and electron
holes can then participate in various chemical reactions on the surface of the monolith. For example,
they may react with organic pollutants in wastewater to degrade them into harmless byproducts.

Mass Transfer: The porous nature of the monolith structure facilitates the movement of reactants and
products through the reactor, ensuring efficient contact between the photocatalyst surface and the
reactants to promote rapid and effective chemical transformations.

Product Separation: After the desired chemical reactions have occurred, the products must be
separated from the reaction mixture. Depending on the specific application, this may involve simply
draining off liquid products or passing the reaction mixture through a filtration system to remove solid
products.
Designing Parameters of Monolith
Photoreactor for CO₂Capture to be good

Size Compact and space- Material Durable and heat-

efficient resistant

Surface Area Maximized for Operation Automated and

catalytic reactions precise control
Monolith Properties
Material: Ceramic materials like cordierite, alumina, or silicon carbide are
commonly used due to their high thermal and chemical stability, high surface
area, good mechanical strength.

Channel geometry: Honeycomb structures are popular due to their high surface
area to volume ratio.

Channel size (diameter or width) : typically ranges from 1-10 mm, with a cell
density (channels per square inch) of 100-400 cells/inch (CPSI).

Channel wall thickness: This affects pressure drop and mass transfer. Values
typically range from 0.5-2 mm, balancing structural integrity with flow
efficiency.
Catalyst Properties
Type: Photocatalysts like TiO2, WO3, or Fe2O3 are commonly used. Selection depends on desired CO2
conversion products (e.g., fuels, chemicals).

Loading: The amount of catalyst deposited on the monolith channels. Values typically range from 1-5 wt%,
balancing cost and efficiency.

Morphology: Nanoparticles or thin films provide high surface area for CO2 adsorption and catalyst-reactant
interaction
Light Source
Wavelength: Visible or ultraviolet light can be used depending on the chosen photocatalyst. Sunlight
or artificial lamps (LEDs) are used as light sources.

Intensity: Sufficient light intensity is crucial for efficient photoexcitation. Values can vary depending
on the specific setup and light source.
Flow Parameters
Gas flow rate: The rate at which CO2-containing gas flows through the reactor channels. Balancing conversion
efficiency with pressure drop is crucial. Typical values range from 0.1-10 L/min.

Temperature: Reaction temperature can affect CO2 adsorption and product selectivity. Values typically range from
25-300°C depending on the chosen catalyst and desired products.
Additional Consideration
Reactor size and configuration: This depends on desired CO2 capture capacity and application. Scaling-up from
lab-scale to industrial size requires careful design considerations.

Integration with separation and purification units: Captured CO2 needs to be separated from the product stream and
potentially purified for further use.
Advantages of Monolith Photoreactors
Efficient Capture Environmental Impact Adaptability
Maximizes CO2 capture with Can be tailored for specific
minimal energy consumption, Significantly reduces CO2 industrial requirements,
promoting sustainability. emissions, contributing to a enhancing versatility.
cleaner environment.
Applications of Monolith
Photoreactors
1 Industrial Use
Monolithic catalysts are commonly used in gas phase catalytic processes, such as

treatment of automotive exhaust gases,

selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides,

catalytic removal of volatile organic compounds from industrial processes, etc.

Challenges and Limitations of
Monolith Photoreactors
1 Scaling Constraints
Photoreactions can't be scaled up by increasing the reactor's size because
light attenuates exponentially. Non-uniform light distribution can lead to
longer reaction times and lower selectivity, which can lower productivity.

2 Operational Complexity
Operating and optimizing large-scale photoreactors requires advanced
engineering expertise.