Innovative photocatalytic luminous textiles optimized towards water treatment: Performance evaluation of photoreactors

Abstract The photocatalytic removal of Flumequine (antibiotic) using a luminous textile which served as a support for the TiO2 and a light transmitter through optical fibers was examined in this study. Two configurations of luminous textile were investigated (Mono-Face and Double-Face) in terms of compounds degradation and mineralization. Photocatalytic performances of Double-Face configuration were found to be better than the one obtained with Mono-Face. Furthermore, to describe the kinetics of the reaction, the Langmuir-Hinshelwood model was successfully applied and both reaction kinetic and adsorption/desorption equilibrium constants were determined. Double-Face configuration also showed better performances compared to the conventional process in the different water matrices tested (ultrapure water, synthetic solution simulating seawater and synthetic hospital wastewater). This configuration was tested for cetirizine (antihistamine) degradation as well, with a satisfying result obtained. Moreover, this technology showed good stability and reusability. On the other hand, the larger size of Double-Face retained its performance at pilot-scale. Finally, the irradiation analyzes showed a good light distribution homogeneity on the textile surface at both laboratory-scale and pilot-scale.