Modular annular photocatalytic membrane reactor for the degradation of micropollutants: Design and application

This study presents the Modular Annular Photocatalytic Membrane Reactor (MAPMR), designed to address key challenges in conventional photocatalytic reactors, such as uniform light distribution, efficient photocatalyst recovery, and a precise control over reaction conditions. The MAPMR features: 1) A...

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Main Authors: Michael S. Leupold, Max Reuschenbach, Gerrit Renner, Anam Asghar, Klaus Kerpen, Lukas Fischer, Torsten C. Schmidt
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2025-12-01
Series:MethodsX
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Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2215016125003231
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author Michael S. Leupold
Max Reuschenbach
Gerrit Renner
Anam Asghar
Klaus Kerpen
Lukas Fischer
Torsten C. Schmidt
author_facet Michael S. Leupold
Max Reuschenbach
Gerrit Renner
Anam Asghar
Klaus Kerpen
Lukas Fischer
Torsten C. Schmidt
author_sort Michael S. Leupold
collection DOAJ
description This study presents the Modular Annular Photocatalytic Membrane Reactor (MAPMR), designed to address key challenges in conventional photocatalytic reactors, such as uniform light distribution, efficient photocatalyst recovery, and a precise control over reaction conditions. The MAPMR features: 1) A modular, annular configuration with vertically stacked photocatalyst-immobilized membranes surrounding the light source, ensuring uniform light distribution. 2) Continuous separation and recovery of photocatalysts, while providing precise control over parameters such as reaction time, temperature, and light intensity. 3) Use of UV-cut filters to block light wavelength below specific thresholds.The reactor was tested with TiO₂-decorated polyethersulfone (PES) membranes (TiO₂-PES) and equipped with selective UV cut-off filters to selectively assess individual micropollutant degradation processes. These filters block wavelengths below 296 nm, 325 nm, and 405 nm, facilitating separate studies of UV- and visible light-driven photocatalysis while preventing direct photolysis. The reactor's modular design facilitates easy membrane replacement, supports diverse operational modes, and integrates in-line and on-line monitoring for real-time analytical insights. Amoxicillin (AMX), a model organic pollutant, was used as the probe compound to evaluate reactor performance with potassium nitrate as a UV cut-off filter (λ < 325 nm) providing precise evaluation of both photocatalytic and photolytic AMX degradation.
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spelling doaj-art-7b8a4dbea9b7433ba0b82e715357f8d82025-08-20T03:49:50ZengElsevierMethodsX2215-01612025-12-011510347810.1016/j.mex.2025.103478Modular annular photocatalytic membrane reactor for the degradation of micropollutants: Design and applicationMichael S. Leupold0Max Reuschenbach1Gerrit Renner2Anam Asghar3Klaus Kerpen4Lukas Fischer5Torsten C. Schmidt6Instrumental Analytical Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr.5, Essen 45141, Germany; Centre for Water and Environmental Research (ZWU), University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr.2, Essen 45141, GermanyInstrumental Analytical Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr.5, Essen 45141, Germany; Centre for Water and Environmental Research (ZWU), University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr.2, Essen 45141, GermanyInstrumental Analytical Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr.5, Essen 45141, Germany; Centre for Water and Environmental Research (ZWU), University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr.2, Essen 45141, GermanyInstrumental Analytical Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr.5, Essen 45141, Germany; Centre for Water and Environmental Research (ZWU), University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr.2, Essen 45141, Germany; Corresponding author at: Instrumental Analytical Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr.5, Essen 45141, Germany.Instrumental Analytical Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr.5, Essen 45141, GermanyCentre for Water and Environmental Research (ZWU), University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr.2, Essen 45141, Germany; Technical Chemistry II, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr.5, Essen 45141, GermanyInstrumental Analytical Chemistry, University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr.5, Essen 45141, Germany; Centre for Water and Environmental Research (ZWU), University of Duisburg-Essen, Universitätsstr.2, Essen 45141, Germany; IWW Water Center, Moritzstr.26, Mülheim an der Ruhr 45476, GermanyThis study presents the Modular Annular Photocatalytic Membrane Reactor (MAPMR), designed to address key challenges in conventional photocatalytic reactors, such as uniform light distribution, efficient photocatalyst recovery, and a precise control over reaction conditions. The MAPMR features: 1) A modular, annular configuration with vertically stacked photocatalyst-immobilized membranes surrounding the light source, ensuring uniform light distribution. 2) Continuous separation and recovery of photocatalysts, while providing precise control over parameters such as reaction time, temperature, and light intensity. 3) Use of UV-cut filters to block light wavelength below specific thresholds.The reactor was tested with TiO₂-decorated polyethersulfone (PES) membranes (TiO₂-PES) and equipped with selective UV cut-off filters to selectively assess individual micropollutant degradation processes. These filters block wavelengths below 296 nm, 325 nm, and 405 nm, facilitating separate studies of UV- and visible light-driven photocatalysis while preventing direct photolysis. The reactor's modular design facilitates easy membrane replacement, supports diverse operational modes, and integrates in-line and on-line monitoring for real-time analytical insights. Amoxicillin (AMX), a model organic pollutant, was used as the probe compound to evaluate reactor performance with potassium nitrate as a UV cut-off filter (λ < 325 nm) providing precise evaluation of both photocatalytic and photolytic AMX degradation.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2215016125003231Design and application of the Modular Annular Photocatalytic Membrane Reactor (MAPMR)
spellingShingle Michael S. Leupold
Max Reuschenbach
Gerrit Renner
Anam Asghar
Klaus Kerpen
Lukas Fischer
Torsten C. Schmidt
Modular annular photocatalytic membrane reactor for the degradation of micropollutants: Design and application
MethodsX
Design and application of the Modular Annular Photocatalytic Membrane Reactor (MAPMR)
title Modular annular photocatalytic membrane reactor for the degradation of micropollutants: Design and application
title_full Modular annular photocatalytic membrane reactor for the degradation of micropollutants: Design and application
title_fullStr Modular annular photocatalytic membrane reactor for the degradation of micropollutants: Design and application
title_full_unstemmed Modular annular photocatalytic membrane reactor for the degradation of micropollutants: Design and application
title_short Modular annular photocatalytic membrane reactor for the degradation of micropollutants: Design and application
title_sort modular annular photocatalytic membrane reactor for the degradation of micropollutants design and application
topic Design and application of the Modular Annular Photocatalytic Membrane Reactor (MAPMR)
url http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2215016125003231
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