Optimisation of a photochemical sensor for total organic carbon measurement

Ann Chim. 2005 Mar-Apr;95(3-4):185-98. doi: 10.1002/adic.200590021.

Abstract

A new tool for the measurement of TOC based on the heterogeneous photocatalysis activated by two different light sources has been planned. The instrument is constituted by a cell where the degradation occurs thanks to both the UV irradiation and the presence of a powered catalyst and by a measurement cell lodging CO2 gas permeable membrane electrode (detector), thermometer, inlet and outlet ways for the samples. One of the sources has a maximum emission at 254nm, while the other simulates the solar spectrum. A suspension (1 g/L) of titanium dioxide (Degussa P25) has been used to catalyse the process. A magnetic stirrer and a circulating pump avoid the deposition of the catalyst on the bottom of the reactor. The online measurement of produced CO2 was performed on 11 molecules (commercial names: Parachlorophenol, D-Glucose, Acid Blue 29, Atraton, Aspirin, Dimethoate, Aldicarb sulfone, Hydroquinone, (R)-Propranolol, Citric acid, Atrazine) to test the system efficiency. The experimental CO2 value was compared with the theoretical TOC value calculated by means of the structure's formula.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Carbon / analysis*
  • Carbon Dioxide / analysis
  • Catalysis
  • Electrodes
  • Equipment Design
  • Photochemistry / instrumentation*
  • Titanium / chemistry

Substances

  • Carbon Dioxide
  • titanium dioxide
  • Carbon
  • Titanium