Photocatalytic oxidation of organics using a porous titanium dioxide membrane and an efficient oxidant

An apparatus for oxidizing organic contaminants, comprising:

• a porous substrate comprising a first photocatalytic surface, a second surface and pores extending therethrough;
• means for flowing a fluid containing organic contaminants over the first photocatalytic surface;
• means for flowing an oxidant through the pores of the porous substrate into the flowing fluid;
• and
• means for exposing the photocatalytic surface to ultraviolet light.

An apparatus for oxidizing organic contaminants, comprising:

• a porous substrate having a photocatalyst disposed on one surface and pores extending therethrough;
• a fluid cell adjacent the photocatalyst surface, the fluid cell comprising a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and a ultraviolet transmission surface positioned to expose the porous photocatalyst surface;
• and
• an oxidant cell adjacent a second, opposed surface of the porous substrate, the oxidant cell comprising an oxidant inlet.

A process for oxidizing organic contaminants, comprising the steps of:

• introducing the organic contaminants over a first surface of a porous photocatalyst;
• introducing an oxidant over an opposing surface of the porous photocatalyst;
• and
• contacting the organic contaminants with the oxidant adjacent the first surface.

A photocatalytic reactor for oxidizing organic contaminants, comprising:

• a substrate having first and second opposed faces and pores communicating between the faces, wherein at least the first face is photocatalytic;
• a fluid cell communicating with the first face and allowing transmission of ultraviolet light onto the first face;
• and
• an oxidant cell communicating with the second face.