Resumen:
Photocatalytic efficiency is evaluated using quantum yields (QYs) and the photo-
chemical thermodynamic efficiency factor (PTEF). The PTEF allows establishing
reactor efficiency as the ratio of utilized enthalpy for the formation of consumed
OH. free radicals over the absorbed photon energy. A key consideration for the
evaluation of efficiency factors is the establishment of macroscopic energy balan-
ces together with an accurate assessment of evolved and absorbed photons. Of
considerable help are the experimental devices developed at the Chemical Reactor
Engineering Centre (CREC)/University of Western Ontario (UWO) laboratories.
Photoconversion kinetics is required for calculation of the OH. consumption rates
and establishment of the related kinetic parameters. PTEFs and QYs have been
applied by CREC-UWO researchers for efficiency calculations in photocatalytic
reactors for the decontamination of air, water, and hydrogen production.