Optimizing Photocatalytic Wastewater Treatment Systems

Posted on Mar 24, 2026 in Biology

The correct flow sequence for an immobilized photocatalytic reactor system is as follows:

Wastewater Tank → Pump → Photocatalytic Reactor (Coated Glass Plate with TiO₂ & Fe₂O₃ under Sunlight) → Purified Water Tank → Storage/Reuse

System Components

  • Wastewater Tank: Contains contaminated water.
  • Pump: Pumps wastewater to the reactor.
  • Immobilized Photocatalytic Reactor: Glass plate coated with TiO₂ + Fe₂O₃, exposed to sunlight for photocatalytic degradation.
  • Purified Water Tank: Treated water is collected here.
  • Optional Second Tank / Recirculation Line: If treatment is incomplete, water can recirculate back to the reactor.

System Design Improvements

Your diagram is mostly correct, but the flow direction and component arrangement can be improved for a proper immobilized photocatalytic reactor system using Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂) and Iron(III) Oxide (Fe₂O₃).

The main issue is that purified water tanks are placed before treatment, which is incorrect. The wastewater should go to the reactor first, then to a purified water tank.

Recommended Flow Order

Wastewater Tank → Pump → Photocatalytic Reactor (Coated Glass Plate with TiO₂ & Fe₂O₃ under Sunlight) → Purified Water Tank