TiO2/Cu(II) photocatalytic production of benzaldehyde from benzyl alcohol in solar pilot plant reactor

The technical feasibility of selective photocatalytic oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde, in aqueous solutions, in presence of cupric ions has been investigated in a solar pilot plant with Compound Parabolic Collectors. Aldrich (pure anatase) and P25 Degussa TiO2 have been used as photocatalysts. The influences of cupric species concentrations, solar irradiance and temperature are discussed too. The oxidation rates were strongly influenced by the initial cupric ions concentration, incident solar irradiance and temperatures. The best results found, in terms of yields and selectivities to benzaldehyde under acidic conditions were higher than 50% and 60%, respectively, under acidic conditions.