PMRs in Photocatalytic Synthesis of Organic Compounds

Photocatalytic membrane reactors (PMRs) are a green chemistry approach in the synthesis of various organic compounds. A PMR is a hybrid system combining membrane separation and heterogeneous photocatalysis thus obtaining, in some cases, interesting synergistic effects. In this chapter, some results concerning photocatalytic partial oxidations and photocatalytic reductions are presented and discussed. Photocatalytic partial oxidations concern conversion of benzene to phenol and ferulic acid to vanillin. Photocatalytic reductions concern conversion of acetophenone to phenylethanol, CO2 to fuels, and nitrite to ammonia. Complete confining of the photocatalyst in the reacting environment and the selective separation of the product simultaneously to the reaction represent the principal common benefits of the aforementioned hybrid processes, resulting in enhanced system productivity and selectivity.