Ultrasonic effects on electroorganic processes – Part 20. Photocatalytic oxidation of aliphatic alcohols in aqueous suspension of TiO2 powder

Ultrasonic effects in a suspension system were examined using the photocatalytic oxidation of 2-propanol to acetone and of ethanol to acetaldehyde in the aqueous suspension of TiO2 powder as a model reaction. The formation rate of acetone was significantly increased under ultrasonic irradiation. The oxidation reaction under ultrasonic irradiation was affected in a different manner from that in silence by reaction conditions such as ultrasonic power, stirring speed, amount of TiO2, concentration of 2-propanol, and pretreatment of the TiO2 powder. Furthermore, it was also observed that the particle size of the TiO2 photocatalyst powder was increased due to the particle agglomeration by ultrasonic irradiation, and consequently it was suggested that ultrasound activates the surface of the catalyst. These results are discussed on the basis of not only the activation of the photocatalyst but also ultrasonic enhancement of mass transport of 2-propanol molecules.