2026-08-04 九州大学
粒子のスキマに光を閉じ込め、可視光での光触媒反応を加速する。
＜関連情報＞
- https://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/ja/researches/view/1540
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1385894726053593
ポリマー充填ベッド反応器は、不均一系光触媒反応における多重光反射を利用することで光触媒効率を向上させる Polymer-packed bed reactors enhance photocatalytic efficiency by utilizing multiple light reflections in heterogeneous photocatalysis
Kazuya Nishimura, Hikaru Matsumoto, Takeru Yano, Masanori Nagao, Yoshiko Miura
Chemical Engineering Journal Available online: 1 June 2026
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2026.177898
Highlights
- Polymer-packed bed photoreactors that enhance photocatalytic activities by multiple light reflections were developed.
- Simple mixing of polymer particles with heterogeneous Ru photocatalyst provided the packed-bed flow reactor.
- Large deviation of refractive indices between the particles and reaction solvent improved the photocatalytic efficiency.
- Ray tracing simulations revealed that multiple light reflections prolonged the photon residence in the reactor.
- Anthraquinone valuable for drugs and dyes was continuously and stably produced using the packed-bed photoreactor.
Abstract
Efficient light utilization is a central challenge in flow photochemistry, which strongly influences catalytic performance. Here, we improve photocatalytic performance by controlling the optical properties of packing materials in the packed-bed flow reactor. Synthetic polymer particles were selected as reactor packings because their size and refractive index can be readily tuned. A Ru(bpy)₃ photocatalyst was covalently immobilized on polymer particle surfaces and mixed with catalyst-free co-packing particles, poly(methyl methacrylate) or poly(styrene), possessing different refractive indices. The mixtures were packed into columns and evaluated in the blue-light-driven oxidation of 9,10-diphenylanthracene. By systematically varying particle size, refractive index of packings and solvent, we clarified how the optical properties govern multiple light reflection and photoreaction kinetics by experiments, modelling, and theoretical simulation. The optimized reactor design enhanced photocatalytic performance and showcased successful synthesis of juglone, demonstrating a practical strategy for advancing sustainable photochemical processes.
