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Gas-Phase Photo-oxidation of Hydrocarbons
Gas Phase Photocatalytic Oxidation
Gas phase photocatalytic oxidation reactions of hydrocarbons using nano-structured TiO2 film were performed by flowing a known mixture of heated humid air with the organic vapor through a magnetically stirred annular reactor.
By controlling the process variables such as the oxygen concentration, the light illumination, the properties of the photocatalytic coating, and the and the conditions within the fluid phase the reactor performance has been optimized for high selectivity and yield. Selectivities different from those obtained by other oxidation means has been obtained showing the potential of the method for syntheses in the cases where the expected product is obtained with an acceptable quantum yield. The effects of different methods of preparing the catalyst including the use of metal dopants is being investigated. The potential use porous ceramic material for improving chemical selectivity is also being studied.
Publications:
Oxygenation of Hydrocarbons Using Nanostructured TiO2 as a Photocatalyst: A Green Alternative
E. Sahle-Demessie and M. Gonzalez, "ACS Symposium Series No. 767Green Chemical Syntheses and Processes", P.T. Anastas, L. Heine and T. Williamson (Eds.), Chapter 23, p 217-228, American Chemical Society, Washington D.C. (2000).Synthesizing Alcohols and Ketones by Photoinduced Catalytic Partial-Oxidation of Hydrocarbons on TiO2 Film Reactors Prepared by Different Methods
E. Sahle-Demessie, M. Gonzalez, Z Wang, and P. Biswas, Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 38, 9, 1999, 3276-3284.Photocatalytic Oxidation of Hydrocarbons in the Aqueous Phase
Michael A. Gonzalez, Garry S. Howell, and Subhas K. Sikdar; J. of Catalysis, 183, 1999, 159-162.
Patent Application:
Process for Photo-induced Partial Oxidation of Organic Chemicals to Alcohols, Ketones and Aldehydes with Flame Deposited Nano-Structured Semiconductor Catalysis
Inventors: E. Sahle-Demessie, P. Biswas, M. A. Gonzalez, Z. M. Wang, S. K. Sikdar, Applied July 2000.
Contact Information:
Primary Investigators:Dr. E. Sahle-Demessie
(513) 569-7739
sahle-demessie.endalkachew@epa.gov
Dr. Michael Gonzalez
(513) 569-7998
gonzalez.michael@epa.gov
Postal Address:
26 West Martin Luther King Drive
Mail Stop 443
Cincinnati, Ohio 45268