Optimierung von Fotokatalysatoren und Fotoreaktoren für die Synthese solarer Kraftstoffe = Optimizing photocatalysts and photoreactors for solar fuel synthesis

Technologies for solar-driven synthesis of energy carriers and chemical feedstocks would be a substantial support for the development of a sustainable way of living. A high achieved photocatalytic efficiency and low cost of the technology, thereby, are mandatory. However, the state of the art in solar-driven synthesis lacks in technology readiness, shows low efficiencies, and relies on specialized and expensive components. This work provides an extensive toolbox and introduces strategies for the design process of a high efficiency and low-cost photocatalytic process for solar-driven synthesis. It comprises descriptions of numerical methods for the optimization, assessment, and analysis of photoreactors. Further, it introduces a low-cost and high efficiency photoreactor design concept that is manufacturable in polymers with standard mass-production techniques. Additionally, the work describes methods for the synthesis and optimization of photocatalysts. Thereby, it focuses on methods for the tuning of radiation transport properties of photocatalyst beds and the reliable determination of the quantum yield in photoreactions. With the introduced methods and strategies, the work supports the further development in the fields of photocatalyst engineering, photoreactor engineering, and photocatalytic process design. ... mehrFurther, the introduced low-cost and highly efficient photoreactor design concept, if combined with a suitable photocatalyst, could become a key component in a first the real-world implementation of a process for the competitive production of solar energy carriers and/or chemical feedstocks.