Photocatalytic degradation intrinsic kinetics of gaseous cyclohexane in a fluidized bed photocatalytic reactor

The special photocatalytic degradation intrinsic kinetics of gaseous cyclohexane were investigated in a designed fluidized bed photocatalytic reactor (FBPR). A series of photocatalytic kinetic reaction equations were developed to explore the relationship of degradation efficiency and operating variables based on photocatalytic mechanism and particle fluidization hydrodynamic characteristics. The corresponding results indicated that the initial concentration has influenced the photocatalytic degradation reaction conversion, and having a concentration inflexion point which theoretically divided the photocatalysis into a first-order apparent kinetic rate equation at low concentrations and a zero-order kinetic rate equation at high concentrations. Furthermore, these results were validated theoretically by the intrinsic kinetic models of photocatalytic degradation conversion developed according to variation of cyclohexane concentration and gas velocity. Based on the experimental results, the optimal operating gas velocity range was determined. The multi-factors synergy effect resulting from gas velocity on photocatalytic degradation efficiency was explored and proved by mass transfer, illumination transmission and adsorption models. Finally, the degradation pathways of the cyclohexane and deactivation mechanism of the photocatalyst were studied according to the intermediates degraded on TiO₂ surface, and a feasible method presented for catalyst regeneration.