WO2020146799A1

WO2020146799A1 - Optically transparent reactor cells for plasmonic photocatalytic chemical reactions using artificial light

Info

Publication number: WO2020146799A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/013190
Authority: WO
Inventors: Suman Khatiwada; Shreya Shah; John Charles WELCH; Trevor William BEST
Original assignee: Syzygy Plasmonics Inc.
Priority date: 2019-01-10
Filing date: 2020-01-10
Publication date: 2020-07-16
Also published as: WO2020146813A1

Abstract

The present disclosure relates generally to reactor cells and reactor enclosures that include innovative light and/or heat management features to provide benefits, such as improving energy efficiency for plasmonic photocatalysis.

Description

OPTIGALLY TRANSPARENT REACTOR CELLS FOR PLASMONIC

PHOTOCATALYTIC CHEMICAL REACTIONS USING ARTIFICIAL LIGHT

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

1. Related Applications

[01] The present application claims priority to and incorporates by reference the entireties of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 62/790,855, filed on January 10, 2019, and 62/798,1 10, filed on January 29, 2019. The present application additionally hereby incorporates by reference the entireties of the following applications: international Patent Application No. PCT/US18/32375, filed on May 1 1 , 2018, U.S. Patent Application No.

15,977,843, filed on May 1 1 , 2018, International Patent Application No.

PCT/US2018/039476, titled“Photocatalytic Reactor Having Multiple Photocatalytic Reactor Cells,” filed on June 26, 2018, International Patent Application No. PCT/US2018/039470, titled“Photocatalytic Reactor Cell,” filed on June 26, 2018, U.S. Provisional Patent

Application No. 62/525,301 , filed on June 27, 2017, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/525,305, filed on June 27, 2017, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/525,380, filed on June 27, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No 62/586,675, filed on

November 15, 2017.

2. Field of the Disclosure

[02] The present disclosure relates generally to reactor cells for plasmonic

photocatalytic chemical reactions using artificial light, such as from an LED light source.

3. Technical Background

[03] Industrial processes depend extensively on heterogeneous catalysts, such as for chemical production and mitigation of environmental pollutants. These processes often rely on metal nanopariicies (e.g. palladium, platinum, ruthenium, or rhodium) dispersed into high surface area support materials to both maximize cata!ytically active surface area and for cost-effective use of the catalysts. The catalytic processes utilizing transition metal nanopariicies are often energy intensive, relying on high temperatures and pressures to maximize catalytic activity.

[04] The reactor ceils described in International Patent Application No.

PCT/US2018/039470 utilize a transparent reactor cell with an artificial or natural light source and can be designed to maximize absorption of one or more target wavelengths and/or to catalyze a desired chemical reaction. This, in turn, can provide cost and/or energy-efficiency benefits over conventional catalytic processes utilizing transition metal nanoparticles. However, there remains a need for improved plasmonic photocatalytic reactor cells, to provide further energy efficiencies and/or provide other benefits.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[05] The inventors have developed efficient reactor ceils for plasmonic photocatalytic chemical reactions using artificial light, such as from an LED light source. The reactor cells of the disclosure includes innovative light and/or heat management features to improve energy efficiency for plasmonic photocatalysis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[06] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the apparatus and methods of the disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, and sizes of various elements may be distorted for clarity and/or illustrated as simplistic representations in order to promote comprehension. The drawings illustrate one or more e bodiment(s) of the disclosure, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles and operation of the disclosure.

[07] Fig. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating at least a portion of a reactor cell, according to an example embodiment.

[08] Fig. 2 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating at least a portion of a reactor cell with a capillary tube, according to an example embodiment.

[09] Fig. 3 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating dimensions for an example reactor cell, according to an example embodiment.

[010] Fig. 4 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating another example reactor cell, according to an example embodiment.

[011] Fig. 5 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating a reactor cell optically coupled to an external light source via an optical conduit, according to an example embodiment.

[012] Fig. 8 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating a light source, according to an example embodiment.

[013] Fig. 7 A is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating a reactor enclosure in a closed (latched) configuration, according to an example embodiment.

[014] Fig. 7B is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating a reactor in an open

(unlatched) configuration without a reactor cell, according to an example embodiment.

[015] Fig. 8 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating a reactor cell, according to an example embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

[Q16] Before the disclosed apparatus and methods are described, it is to be understood that the aspects described herein are not limited to specific embodiments, apparatus, or configurations. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and, unless specifically defined herein, is not intended to be limiting.

[017] Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “comprise” and“include” and variations (e.g ,“comprises,”“comprising,”“includes,” and “including”) will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated component, feature, element, or step or group of components, features, elements or steps, but not the exclusion of any other component, feature, element, or step or group of components, features, elements, or steps.

[018] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms“a,”“an,” and“the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[019] As used herein, the term“coupling” includes physical, electronic, thermal, or optical coupling of one element to another element.

[020] Ranges can be expressed herein as from“about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent“about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect it will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint.

[021] All percentages, ratios and proportions herein are by weight, unless otherwise specified. A weight percent (weight % or wt %) of a component, unless specifically stated to the contrary, is based on the total weight of the composition in which the component is included (e.g., on the total amount of the catalyst material).

[022] In view of the present disclosure, the processes and active materials described herein can be configured by the person of ordinary skill in the art to meet the desired need.

In general, the disclosed materials, methods, and apparatus provide improvements in photocatalysis processes and materials, such as improvements in the energy efficiency thereof.

Example Reactor Cell Construction

[023] In general, the present disclosure provides a reactor cell comprising: a casing having one or more surfaces to define an interior of the casing and an inlet and outlet for process gas, a phoiocatalyst bed disposed within the interior or the casing, and at least one light-management feature and/or heat-management feature, details of which are set forth below. The photocatalyst bed may include a photocatalyst coupled to a pias onic material, such as through a physical, electronic, thermal, or optical coupling. The reactor cells of the disclosure are configured, upon application of a light source, to transform at least one reactant into at least one reformate.

[024] Fig. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating at least a portion of a reactor cell 100. The reactor cell 100 may be utilized advantageously with an external light source (not illustrated in Fig. 1) to promote piasmonic photocatalytic reactions.

[025] The reactor cell 100 includes a casing 102, which is comprised of an inner surface 104 and an outer surface 106. The inner surface 104, in turn, defines an interior 108 of the casing 102. An inlet 1 10 and an outlet 1 12 are respectively used to feed-in and exit a process gas 1 14. In the example illustrated, the casing 102 is generally cy!indrica!iy shaped; however, other shapes alternatively may be utilized without departing from the intended scope of the technology set forth herein.

[026] At least a portion of the interior 108 of the casing 102 includes a photocataiyst bed 1 16. As described in detail in Internationa! Patent Application Nos. PCT/US18/32375, PCT/US2018/039476, and PCT/US2018/039470, and U.S Patent Application No.

15,977,843, the photocataiyst bed 1 16 comprises a photocataiyst 1 18 coupled to a piasmonic material 120, such that, upon application of a light source 122, piasmonic photocatalysis is effected. In one example, the reactor cell 100 may be used to convert reactant(s) 124 into reformate(s) 126 The casing 102 is preferably substantially optically transparent to allow applied light to reach the photocataiyst bed 1 16 at the interior 108 of the casing 102. The casing 102 may be constructed of quartz, for example.

[027] Also illustrated in Fig. 1 is a vacuum jacket 128, which is an external vacuum jacket in the example shown. The vacuum jacket 128 may be evacuated via one or more vacuum nipples 130, which may be connected via tubing (not illustrated in Fig. 1) to one or more vacuum pumps (not illustrated in Fig. 1). The vacuum jacket 128 may surround at least a portion of the casing 102 to provide insulative properties in order to help maintain heat within the reactor cell 100. !n the example shown in Fig. 1 , the vacuum jacket 128 is shaped as a cylindrical sleeve (having a generally annular cross section) overlying the cylindrical casing 102. Other shapes alternatively may be used for the vacuum jacket 128, in order to conform generally to the shape of the casing 102. In embodiments in which an external light source 122 is used, the vacuum jacket 128 and casing 102 are preferably substantially optically transparent (e.g. constructed of quartz) to allow applied light to reach the photocataiyst bed 1 16 at the interior 108 of the casing 102. Further details regarding the vacuum jacket are described below. [028] In some embodiments, the photocataiyst bed 1 16 and the vacuum jacket 128 extend across a similar or identical length of the casing 102. This length may be defined by a portion of the cell 100 over which incident light is applied, for example in other

embodiments, the photocataiyst bed 1 16 extends further in one or more directions along the casing 102 than the vacuum jacket 128 extends. This second configuration may be beneficial to ensure light utilization by the catalyst bed (i.e. the longer catalyst bed substantially prevents light from escaping once inside the catalyst bed), resulting in potentially higher efficiency. Other configurations may also be utilized without departing from the scope of the technology described herein.

[029] In addition, the casing 102 may be provided with a mirrored coating (not illustrated in Fig. 1) over at least a portion of its outer surface 106 and/or inner surface 104, in order to further confine light within the interior 108 of the casing 102, to potentially further improve efficiency. For example, the mirrored coating may be provided at a portion of the casing 102 that is not subjected to application of light from an externa! light source 122, such as a portion of the casing 102 that is not surrounded by the vacuum jacket 128.

[030] Fig. 2 illustrates the reactor ceil 100 of Fig. 1 with a capillary tube 200 included to assist with heat management. The capillary tube 200 may extend generally along a centra! axis 202 of the casing 102, so that heat management may be provided in the photocataiyst bed 1 16. The capillary tube 200 may include be used to provide heating, such as through a hot fluid or resistive heating coil, or cooling, such as through a cooling fluid or other cooling mechanism, for example in some embodiments, the capillary tube 200 has ends 204 and 206 that enter and exit the casing through one or more walls of the casing 102, as defined by the inner surface 104 and outer surface 106. In such a configuration, the capillary tube 200 does not interfere with the iniet 1 10 and outlet 1 12. Other configurations may alternatively be used for providing the capillary tube 200 within the casing 102. in some embodiments, more than one capillary tube 200 is included to provide further heat management capabilities.

[031] Fig. 3 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating dimensions for an example reactor cell 300 in accordance with an embodiment of the technology described herein. The reactor cell 300 includes a casing 302, similar to the casing 102 described with reference to Fig. 1. The casing 302 includes an inner surface 304 defining an inner diameter of 22 m and an outer surface 306 defining an outer diameter of 25 mm. The casing 302 has a length 308 (which may be about 250 m , for example), a portion of which is surrounded by a vacuum jacket having a length of 100 mm, an inner diameter slightly larger than 25 mm (the outer diameter of the casing 302), and an outer diameter defined by a thickness of the vacuum jacket 310 (which may be about 3-5 mm, for example). A vacuum nipple 312 is disposed within about 10 m of the top (one end) of the vacuum jacket 310. Ail of the dimensions described with respect to Fig 3 are merely examples, and particular applications/environments (e.g. desired reactions, available light source(s), available heating/cooling) may benefit from dimensions different from what is illustrated in Fig. 3.

[Q32] Fig. 4 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating another example reactor ceil 400 in accordance with an embodiment of the technology described herein. The reactor cell 400 differs from the reactor ceils 100 and 300 in that the reactor cel! 400 has a casing 402 comprised of a top portion 404, a bottom portion 406, and a central portion 408. The central portion 408 is optically transparent (e.g. glass) and contains a photocataiyst bed 410 similar to the photocataiyst bed 1 16 described above with reference to Fig. 1. An optically transparent vacuum jacket 412 surrounds the central portion 408 and allows externally applied artificial light to reach the photocataiyst bed through the vacuum jacket 412 and central portion 408. in the example of Fig. 4, the vacuum jacket 412 is constructed of glass and further includes top ring 414 and bottom ring 416 to assist in holding a desired vacuum provided via a vacuum pump (not shown) connected to the vacuum jacket 412. To promote reflection of applied artificial light, the top ring 414 and bottom ring 416 may be provided with an internally reflective coating to reflect any escaped light back into the photocataiyst bed 410.

[033] The top portion 404 and/or bottom portion 406 may be glass or metal tubing, for example. As was described above with reference to Fig. 1 , a mirrored coating may be provided on the casing (e.g. the top portion 404 and/or bottom portion 406) over at least a portion of its outer surface and/or inner surface, in order to further confine light within the interior of the casing, to potentially further improve efficiency. In the case where the top portion 404 and/or bottom portion 406 is metal (and is not optically transparent), the top ring 414 and/or bottom ring 416 may respectively comprise an assembly that Includes one or more glass-metal coupling fittings.

[034] Fig. 5 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating a reactor cell 500 optically coupled to an external light source 502 via an optical conduit 504 to provide artificial light to a photocataiyst bed (not shown) located in the reactor ceil 5QQ. The reactor cell 500 may have a design similar to the reactor cell 100, 300, or 400, for example. As such, the reactor cell 500 includes a casing 506 (at least a portion of which is optically transparent) and an optically transparent vacuum jacket 508.

[035] The light source 502 according to the example of Fig. 5 comprises an LED array 510 made up of one or more LED diodes 512 As illustrated, the LED array 510 is a 2x10 array of LED diodes; however, other array configurations alternatively may be used. The LED array 510 is mounted on a printed circuit board (RGB) 514 that includes one or more traces, leads, and/or other circuitry/components (none of which are illustrated in Fig. 5) to cause the light source 502 to produce artificial light (not shown) upon application of power to the light source 502. [036] The conduit 504 has a first end 516 positioned adjacent to the reactor cell 500 (e.g. at the location of the vacuum jacket 508) and a second end 518 positioned adjacent to the light source 502 (e.g. at the LED array 510). The first end 516 and/or the second end 518 are preferably conformingly secured (i.e.“flush”) respectively to the reactor cell 500 and the light source 502 to prevent the artificial light produced by the light source 502 from escaping the conduit 504 at the interfaces to the reactor cell 500 and the light source 502. However, as an alternative to securing the first end 516 and/or the second end 518 flush to the reactor cell 500 and/or the light source 502, a gap may be provided between the first end 516 and the reactor cell 500 and/or between the second end 518 and the light source 502. Such a gap (not illustrated in Fig. 5) can serve as a heat management feature to prevent conduction of heat across the gap, such as from the reactor cel! 500 or the light source 502 to surrounding components. As used herein, the term“gap” refers to a spacing approximating the thickness of the casing or vacuum jacket of the reactor cell, which may be approximately 2mm-10mm. The gap may be wider for better thermal Isolation, at the expense of possibly Inferior light confinement. Conversely, the gap may be narrower for better light confinement, at the expense of possibly inferior thermal isolation.

[037] The conduit 504 includes a plurality of optically reflective walls 520 (two side walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall in the example of Fig. 5) to guide the artificial light from the light source 502 to the reactor cel! 500. Optical reflectivity may be provided via a reflective coating on an interior surface of the wails 520, for example. The optical conduits 504 may be advantageously constructed of materials exhibiting poor thermal conductivity to prevent heat loss from the photocataiyst bed (not shown) to surrounding components. Using materia!(s) having poor thermal conductivity may improve overall energy efficiency of the reactor. Such materia! selections may be made for all parts of the optica! conduit wails (including sides, top, bottom, etc.) and any fittings, for example. One or more cooling mechanisms and/or means may be provided at the conduit 504 (e.g. at the exterior of the walls 520), light source 502, and/or reactor cell 500, to dissipate heat generated by the light source 502 Further details regarding heat management are described below.

[038] Fig. 6 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating an example light source 600. The light source 600 may serve as the light source 502 illustrated in Fig. 5 or an internal light source for the reactor cell 800 illustrated in Fig. 8, for example.

[039] The example light source 6QQ includes a RGB 602 having screw holes 604 for mounting the light source 600 to one or more surfaces or objects. Disposed or mounted on the RGB is an LED array 606 made up of a plurality of LED diodes 608. Electrical leads 610 are used to supply power to the LED diodes 608 via one or more conductive traces or other conductors (not shown) located in or on the PCB 602. [040] While Fig. 6 specifies various specific dimensions and a particular array configuration (two columns and ten rows), this is merely an example, and other dimensions and array configurations may alternatively be used, depending on the particular application or other considerations in addition, the RGB 802 may have a different shape from the rectangular shape illustrated in Fig. 6, and need not necessarily be two-dimensional.

[041] Figs. 7A and 7B illustrate a reactor enclosure 700. in particular, Fig. 7A illustrates the reactor enclosure 700 in a closed (latched) configuration with a reactor cell 702 in its center, while Fig. 7B illustrates the reactor enclosure 700 in an open (unlatched) configuration without a reactor ceii. The reactor ce!i 702 may have a design similar to the reactor cell 100, 300, 400, or 500, for example, and may include various components described above, such as a casing, vacuum jacket, etc.

[042] The enclosure 7QQ serves as a platform to mount a plurality of light sources 704 in a predetermined orientation, distance, and spacing around the reactor cel! 702. The light sources 704 are preferably oriented to provide a plane of artificial light that is generally orthogonal to the reactor cell 702 (e.g. to the outer surface of the reactor cell 702 or a vacuum jacket surrounding the reactor cell 702).

[043] With a central axis of the reactor cell 702 aligned with (i.e coaxial with) a central axis of the enclosure 700, the distance of the light sources 704 from the reactor cell 702 may be set by choosing a radius (for a cylinder-like enclosure) that results in the desired separation between the light source 704 and the reactor cell 702. The distance of the light sources 704 from the reactor cell 702 for an enclosure having a different shape (i.e. non- cylindrical) may be similarly set. For the hexagonal prism enclosure 7QQ illustrated in Figs.

7 A and 7B, the distance between each the central axis and the midpoint of each face may be used to set a preferred distance of the light sources 704 from the reactor ceil 702.

[044] Spacing between light sources 704 may be chosen based on space constraints (e.g. to accommodate the size of any PCBs, mounting blocks, cooling mechanisms, etc.) while still providing the desired amount and intensity of artificial light to the reactor cel! 702.

In the example of Figs. 7 A and 7B, a plurality of optical conduits 706 (similar to the optical conduit 504 described with reference to Fig. 5) are provided with the plurality of light sources 704 to channel or guide light from the light sources 704 to the reactor cell 702. The width of the conduit 706 at its first end (i.e. where it is adjacent to the reactor ceil) may prescribe the spacing between light sources 704. For example, a wider spacing for the conduit 706 at the reactor cell 702 will generally call for light sources 704 that are spaced further apart from one another. The light sources 704 and conduits 706 are preferably spaced in a regular (i.e. equidistant) configuration from one another around the periphery of the enclosure 700. While the example enclosure 700 is hexagonally shaped with six light sources 704, other shapes and numbers of light sources may alternatively be used. The light sources need not be arranged in a coplanar configuration, in some embodiments. Mounting blocks 708 may be used to securab!y mount the light sources 704 and/or conduits 708 to the enclosure 700, including to one or more surfaces (some of which may be reflective to promote light transmission) embodying the enclosure, such as a top surface 710, bottom surface 712, and side wa!!(s) 714.

[045] As illustrated in Fig. 7B, the enclosure 700 may include one or more mechanisms to allow for opening and closing the reactor cell, for servicing, inspection, or other purposes. As such the enclosure may include one or more hinges 716 and latches 718 to facilitate opening and closing. To accommodate such functionality, one or more surfaces of the enclosure may include separate pieces (e.g. the top and bottom surfaces of the enclosure each may be split in half). As an alternative to hinges and latches, the mechanisms may comprise only latches. As a further alternative, semi-permanent fasteners (e.g. screws or bolts) may be used to attach two or more portions of the enclosure to one another.

[046] Fig. 8 is a simplified schematic diagram illustrating a reactor cel! 800, according to another example. The reactor cell 8QQ differs from the reactor cells 100, 300, 400, 500, and 702 In that the light source is internal to (i.e. inside) the reactor cell, rather than external (i.e. outside).

[047] The reactor ceil 800 includes a casing 802 and an immersion well 804, at least a portion of which is optically transparent (e.g. constructed of quartz). An optically transparent vacuum jacket 806 surrounds at least a portion of the immersion well 804 and is situated inside the casing 802. The vacuum jacket 806 may be constructed of quartz, for example.

[048] According to the example of Fig 8, the immersion well 804 has a cavity 808 into which an LED module 810 is disposed to provide artificial light to a catalyst bed (not shown) provided in the casing 802 through the optically transparent portions of the immersion well 804 and the vacuum jacket 806. The LED module 810 comprises one or more LED arrays 812 mounted around the outside surface of a cylindrical LED mounting tube 814. A coolant supply tube 816 is coupled to a first end of the LED mounting tube 814 to supply cooling fluid through the LED mounting tube 814 to remove heat generated by the LED array 812. A coolant return tube 818 returns heated coolant fluid from the LED mounting tube 814 for disposal or recirculation back into the LED mounting tube (via the coolant supply tube 816) once the heat is dissipated or removed. Cooling the LED array 812 helps to avoid overheating, which might otherwise lead to decreased performance or failure in the LED array 812. Electrical leads 820 supply power to the LED array 812 and extend out the top opening 822 of the immersion well 804, along with the coolant supply and return tubes 816 and 818.

[049] The casing 802 includes a bottom opening 824 and two or more top openings 826 for feeding input process gas 828 and exiting process gas 830. Between the bottom opening 824 and top openings 826 is a space filled with a cataiyst bed 832, bounded by portions 834 and 836 containing fritted glass and glass wool above and below the catalyst bed 832. The length of the catalyst bed 832 is the same as length of the LED module 810, according to a preferred embodiment. The casing 802 includes two or more top openings in order to facilitate flow of the process gas through the cataiyst bed 832.

[050] To promote efficient transmission of artificial light from the LED module 810 through the immersion well (optically transparent) and vacuum jacket 806 (optically transparent) to the catalyst bed 832, the LED module 810 may be constructed such that its top and bottom edges have reflectors (or are reflective), in order to facilitate light being directed toward the catalyst bed (rather than upwards or downwards in the immersion tube or other components). The casing 802 has an outer surface that is mirrored or has a mirrored coating (toward its interior), in order to reflect any wayward light back toward the catalyst bed 832. if desired, external heating may be provided by wrapping the outer surface of the casing 802 with a heating element (not shown). A thermal blanket (not shown) may be wrapped around the entire reactor cell 802 (with protruding leads, cooling tubes, and/or gas lines, as appropriate), to further promote efficiency by maintaining reactor heat inside. Alternatively, a vacuum jacket (not shown) might be additionally or alternatively supplied at the outer surface of the casing 802.

[051] In yet another embodiment, the reactor ceil could comprise a combination of elements illustrated in Figs. 1 and 8. For example, the LED module 810 could located outside (external to) the reactor cell 802, with appropriate optically transparency employed in the reactor ceil 802 to allow artificial light to reach the catalyst bed 822. Reflective surfaces (not shown) may be employed in conjunction with such an externally utilized LED module 810 to promote efficient light transmission.

Other Alternative Reactor Ceil Designs

[052] While Figs. 1-7 relate to examples of reactor cells utilizing an external light source and Fig. 8 relates to an example of a reactor cell utilizing an internal light source, other embodiments could utilize both an interna! light source and an external light source (or multiple internal and/or external light sources).

[053] Furthermore, while many or all of the examples set forth in Figs. 1-8 utilize a vacuum jacket, as an alternative, an environment in which the reactor cell is placed may be evacuated. For example, any of the described reactor ceils described in Figs. 1-8 and/or the reactor enclosure 700 may be placed under vacuum, with the vacuum jacket potentially omitted.

Efficiency in Piasmonic Photocatalysis

[054] Reaction rate in piasmonic photocatalysis increases with both increasing light intensity and increasing temperature. It is possible to get the same reaction rate for both the foliowing situations: (a) no exiernai heating is applied to the reactor and high intensity light is supplied to the reactor; and (b) some external heating is applied to the reactor and medium intensity light is supplied to the reactor. Thus, in real-world use cases, where a cost of eiectricity may be reiatively high, a reactor that uses less electricity, i.e. lower intensity LED light source(s), along with some externa! heating, likely will be more economical than a reactor that uses high intensity LED source(s) with no external heating.

Heat Management Features

[055] Incident light contributes directly to plasmonic photocatalysis by creating high- energy electrons called“hot electrons,’’ which make and break chemical bonds as well as desorb molecules from the surface of the catalyst materials. When such hot electrons decay over time, they heat up the plasmonic photocataiyst. This creates an elevated temperature regime (above room temperature) inside the reactor. This high temperature increases conversion and efficiency of plasmonic photocatalysis; thus, it is desirable to keep this heat inside the reactor.

[056] Embodiments described herein, such as in Figs. 1-8, may include heat

management feature(s) to accomplish one or more of the foliowing: (a) help confine or maintain heat (from external heating and/or hot electron decay) substantially within the reactor, (b) provide external heating or cooling to the interior of the reactor, or (c) reduce localized heating (“hot spots’’) within the catalyst bed. In addition or alternatively, one or more heat management features may be included to manage heat associated with the light source and light pathways (reflectors, conduits, concentrators, diffusers, etc.), rather than from the plasmonic photocatalysis itself.

[057] In some embodiments, the heat management feature is inherent in the casing itself or is disposed within the interior of the casing. For example, the heat management feature may help confine or maintain heat (from externa! heating and/or hot electron decay) substantially within the interior of the casing by utilizing a materia! having reiatively poor heat conductivity. For example, the reactor cell casing may be constructed substantially of quartz, which is a poor conductor of heat. This keeps most of the heat inside the reactor casing, where it can help to increase conversion and efficiency of plasmonic photocataiysis.

[058] The heat management feature may additionally or alternatively comprise a vacuum jacket (or other means for inducing a vacuum) adjacent to (e.g. surrounding) the casing, reactor enclosure, or other environment in which the plasmonic photocataiysis takes place. For example, the vacuum jacket may comprise a cylindrical quartz sleeve surrounding a cylindrical casing. Such a vacuum jacket on the reactor casing creates a transparent thermal barrier between the outside and the inside of the reactor cell. Transparency prevents attenuation of any incident light. The level of vacuum and the thickness of the vacuum jacket (e.g. width of an annular cross-section of a cylindrical vacuum jacket sleeve) may be designed to promote efficiency for a particular chemical reaction using a particular type of catalyst. Such an application-specific design may be selected based on materials used in the catalyst bed, enthalpy of the reaction, and wavelength and intensity of the incident light. A suitable vacuum level could be one atmosphere or lower, for example. The vacuum jacket length (e.g. cylindrical sleeve height) is the same size as or longer than the catalyst bed column, according to one embodiment.

[059] Other embodiments in which the heat management feature is disposed within the interior of the casing include those directed to providing external heating or cooling to the interior of the reactor. For example, an axial capillary (or more than one capillary extending axially through the length of the interior of the reactor ceil casing) could be used to introduce an external heat source or to introduce an active cooling fluid to the reactor bed. The heat source could be a hot fluid or a heating element, for example. This could be beneficial for chemical reactions that are designed to take external heating, such as dry methane reforming. An example cooling fluid could be air, water, oil, or any other such cooling material, or an element of a heat exchanger. This could be beneficial for exothermic chemical reactions. Other types of heat sources and/or cooling sources could additionally or alternatively be used.

[060] Yet other embodiments in which the heat management feature is disposed within the interior of the casing include those directed to reducing localized heating (“hot spots”) within the catalyst bed. For example, the catalyst itself can be chosen or modified to have materials possessing good thermal conductivity. This could beneficially reduce potential for “hoi spots” within the catalyst bed that could decay the catalyst. Example materials include Aluminum Oxide (Ai₂0₃), Cerium Oxide (Ce0₂), and others.

[061] Additionally or alternatively, the heat management feature may include the catalyst bed being packed to allow for increased permeation of a process gas through the catalyst bed. For example, the catalyst bed can be packed to decrease average density and/or to create longer or less obstructed flow pathways through the catalyst bed to allow for better process gas permeation. Such packing may additionally promote thermal conductivity.

[662] In addition or as an alternative to the aforementioned features for managing heat associated with the piasmonic photocatalysis, one or more heat management features may be included to manage heat associated with a light source (e.g. one or more externa! light sources) and/or light pathways (reflectors, conduits, concentrators, diffusers, etc.). For example, any reflectors or reflective surfaces may be constructed using insulative materials (i.e. materials that are poor conductors of heat. As another example, the optical conduits can be actively cooled (e.g. by cooling the other walls and/or by periodically passing a gust of air through the bottom and top of the optical conduits) to prevent air trapped in the optical conduits from becoming too hot.

[Q63] For one or more of the aforementioned embodiments, a thermal blanket may be provided to further promote heat retention within the reactor. For example, the reactor casing and/or vacuum sleeve (and possibly other components of the entire reactor system) may be wrapped with a thermal blanket to keep heat within the reactor system.

[084] Other thermal management features may additionally or alternatively be used. For example, the thermal management feature may include a fluid input coupled to a first end of the cavity and a fluid output coupled to a second end of the cavity such that fluid may flow through the reactor cell to add or remove heat from the reactor cell; or the thermal management feature may comprise a metal rod or metal wires configured for heat conduction. According to yet another embodiment, an outer surface of the reactor casing and/or vacuum sleeve is wrapped with a heating element, when necessary, to provide external heating.

Light Management Features

[065] Since plasmonic photocatalysis relies on incident light for hot electron creation, light utilization is an important consideration for a photocata!ytic reactor ceil. High intensity light increases the rate of photocatalysis. Electricity costs associated with LED light sources are an important part of the operations cost of a photocatalytic reactor. Since higher-intensity LED light sources require more electricity than lower-intensity light sources, any

improvements to light utilization can provide benefits to both reaction rate and energy (and cost) efficiency.

[066] Embodiments described herein, such as in Figs. 1-8, may include light

management feature(s) to accomplish one or more of the following: (a) the casing, vacuum jacket, and/or immersion tube is constructed of quartz or another such material that is optically transparent to a wavelength of light used for a particular desired chemical reaction, (b) any optical conduits between light sources and the reactor ceil have reflective walls, (c) any optical conduits between light sources and the reactor ceil are joined flush with the reactor cel! to prevent leakage of light, (d) the catalyst bed is designed to absorb most or all of the incident light, (e) the catalyst bed is filled up to a longer column than the incident light so as to ensure light utilization (so light does not escape from the top of catalyst column), (f) the outside of the glass reactor ceil is coated with a mirrored layer in the regions above and below the optical conduits, in order to reflect any light escaping from the vacuum jacket back into the reactor cell, and in particular, the catalyst bed, (g) the PCB of the light source or LED module is painted or otherwise provided with a reflective coating to back-refleci any wayward light that strikes it, (h) light sources (e.g. LED modules and arrays) are arranged in the reactor enclosure to prevent a light source’s emitted light from striking another light source within the reactor enclosure, in order to preserve integrity of the LEDs and maintain light output consistency, and (i) when high intensity LED light is used, these LED modules are actively cooled, such as by using a heat exchanger or by passing a coolant fluid on the back of a light source or LED module RGB (LED efficiency and, hence, light output decreases with increasing temperature. Actively cooling the LEDs keeps the light output and reaction rate consistent.)

[067] As mentioned, the casing and/or one or more other components are at least partially optically transparent. The following discussion pertains to the casing, but many of the same principles apply to the vacuum jacket and immersion well, for example.

Advantageously, the optically transparent casing according to some embodiments of the disclosure may have low thermal expansion. Thus, in one embodiment, the optically transparent casing comprises a material having less than about 1 x 10^~4 / °K linear coefficient of thermal expansion (GTE) in another embodiment, the optically transparent casing comprises a materia! having less than about 1 x 10 ⁵ / °K GTE; or less than about 5 x 10 ^B / °K GTE; or less than about 3 x 1 Q ⁶ / °K GTE; or even less than about 1 x 1 G ^B / °K GTE. For example, some exemplary materials with suitable CTE values include, but are not limited to, borosilicate glass at 3.2 x 1 CT⁶ /°K, PYREX® glass at 3.2 x 10^~6 /°K, quartz at about 0.59 x 10⁶ /°K to about 9 x 10 ⁶ !°K, sapphire 5.3 x 10 ⁶ /°K, and fused silica at 0.55 x 10 ⁶ /°K.

[068] One of skill in the art wiil recognize than any material having the desired transmittance for a predetermined light wavelength (or range of wavelengths) and/or coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) may be used. In some embodiments, the optically transparent casing comprises glass, borosilicate glass, quartz, fused quartz, aluminosilicate glass, lithium-aluminosilicate glass, sapphire, or combinations thereof.

[069] in one embodiment, the optically transparent casing is optically transparent on all sides of the casing. But one of skill in the art would appreciate that, in one embodiment, the optically transparent casing may not be optically transparent on all sides of the casing. For example, at least a portion of an inward-facing surface (e.g. an inner surface or outer surface) of the optically transparent casing may comprise a reflective surface facing a central cavity of the casing.

[676] In traditional fixed bed reactors, no effort is typically made to provide catalyst support beds that are optically transparent (i.e., the light in a traditional fixed bed reactor does not penetrate the catalyst bed). In contrast, To allow for greater light utilization (i.e. less leakage), the catalyst support bed is preferably designed to absorb most of the incident light (i.e. very little, if any, light passes from the light source entirely through the catalyst support bed and out a side opposite from the light source). This may be accomplished, at least in part, through selecting catalyst support materials having a desired transmittance for the particular geometry and dimensions of the reactor cell. Further details regarding examples of suitable catalyst support materials are set forth below.

Plasmonic Photocatalysis

[071] The reactor cells of the disclosure also require one or more p!asmonic

photocatalysts comprising a catalyst coupled to a plasmonic material, such as through a physical, electronic, thermal, or optical coupling. Without being bound by theory, the plasmonic material is believed to act as an optical antenna capable of absorbing light due to the unique interaction of light with plasmonic materials and, as a result, generates a strong electric field on and near the plasmonic material (i.e., as a result of collective oscillation of electrons within the plasmonic material). This strong electric field on and near the plasmonic material allows for coupling between the catalyst and the plasmonic material, even when the catalyst and the plasmonic material are separated by distances of up to about 20 nm or more.

[072] In general, the plasmonic material may be any etal, metal alloy, metalloid element, or its alloy. In some embodiments, the plasmonic materia! of the disclosure is selected from gold, gold alloy, silver, silver alloy, copper, copper alloy, aluminum, or aluminum alloy. In the present disclosure the term "alloys" is intended to cover any possible combination of metals. For example, the alloys may be binary alloys such as AuAg, AuPd, AuCu, AgPd, AgCu, etc., or they may be ternary alloys, or even quaternary alloys.

[073] In some embodiments, the plasmonic material of the disclosure comprises an oxide shell surrounding a non-oxidized core. In one or more embodiments, the oxide shell may be a natural/native oxide shell that forms upon a metal or alloy’s exposure to air or water. For example, a copper plasmonic material may possess a copper oxide (e.g., CuO or Cu₂0) shell surrounding a copper core, or an aluminum plasmonic material may possess an aluminum oxide shell surrounding an aluminum core. In some embodiments, the oxide shell may be at least partially artificially produced, such as by artificially increasing the thickness of a native/natural oxide she!! by appropriate chemical methods, or by chemically synthesizing, or otherwise depositing, an oxide material around a pre-formed plasmonic materia! in some embodiments, the oxide shell may have a thickness of up to about 30 nm, or up to about 25 nm, or up to about 15 nm. In some embodiments, the oxide shell may have a thickness of at least about 0.5 n , or at least 1 n , or at least 1.5 n . In some embodiments, the oxide shell has a thickness ranging from about 0.1 nm to about 5 nm; or from about 0.1 nm to about 30 n ; or from about 1 nm to about 5 nm; or from about 1 nm to about 30 nm.

[074] One of skill in the art will recognize that the size, shape, and chemical structure of the plasmonic materia! will affect the absorption of one or more target wavelengths. Thus, the plasmonic materia! or materials may be designed to maximize absorption of one or more target wavelengths (e.g , to recognize the target wavelength(s) but have the material absorb relatively less of other, non-target wavelengths). In another example, the plasmonic material of the disclosure may be designed to catalyze a desired chemical reaction. Thus, in some embodiments, the plasmonic material of the disclosure may have a piasmon resonant frequency, or optical absorption maximum, in the ultraviolet to infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum in some embodiments, the plasmonic material has a piasmon resonant frequency in the visible light spectrum (such as at a wavelength ranging from about 380 nm to about 760 nm).

[075] In general, the catalyst materia! coupled to the plasmonic material may be any compound capable of catalyzing a desired reaction (e.g., even if it were not coupled to a plasmonic material). For example, the catalyst may be capable of oxidation and reduction chemistry, water or air pollution remediation reactions, NO_x and N₂0 decompositions, catalyzing hydrogenation reactions such as acetylene hydrogenation, carbon dioxide conversion to carbon monoxide via the reverse water-gas shift reaction (which can be coupled with a hydrogenation to create hydrocarbons using Fisher! ropsch synthesis), and nitrogen activation chemistry, including the synthesis of ammonia. In some embodiments, the catalyst of the disclosure may be any metal or metalloid element, and any alloy, oxide, phosphide, nitride, or combination thereof of said elements. For example, the catalyst of the disclosure may comprise cata!yticaliy active palladium, platinum, ruthenium, rhodium, nickel, iron, copper, cobalt, iridium, osmium, titanium, vanadium, indium, or any combination thereof. The catalyst of the disclosure may comprise any alloy, oxide, phosphide, or nitride of catalyticaily active palladium, platinum, ruthenium, rhodium, nickel, iron, copper, cobalt, iridium, osmium, titanium, vanadium, or indium. In some embodiments, the catalyst of the disclosure comprises catalyticaily active iron or copper in some embodiments, the catalyst of the disclosure may be iniermetallic nanoparticies, core-sheii nanoparticies, or

semiconductor nanoparticies (e.g , Cu₂0).

[076] In some embodiments, the catalyst may be physically attached to the plasmonic material, while in other embodiments the catalyst may be separated by a small distance from the plasmonic material (but still coupled thereto, such as through a physical, electronic, thermal, or optica! coupling). The separation may be either by empty space (i.e., a distinct physical separation) or the separation may be by the thin oxide layer discussed above. For example, the plasmonic material and the catalyst may be separated by a small distance when they are prepared via lithographic methods to have a distinct physical separation. In one or more embodiments, the small separation may be a distance of up to about 30 n , or up to about 25 nm, or up to about 15 nm. in some embodiments, the separation may be at least about 0.5 n , or at least 2 nm, or at least 5 nm, or at least 10 nm. In some embodiments, one or more catalysts may be physically attached to the surface of a single piasmonic material, which can increase the surface area available for reactions in some embodiments, the catalyst may form a shell that surrounds the piasmonic material.

[077] The piasmonic photocatalysts may have a diameter ranging from about 5 nm to about 300 nm. In some embodiments, the piasmonic photocataiyst of the disclosure may have a diameter ranging from about 10 n to about 300 nm; or about 50 nm to about 300 nm; or about 80 nm to about 300 nm; or about 100 nm to about 300 nm; or about 5 nm to about 250 nm; about 10 nm to about 250 n ; or about 50 nm to about 250 nm; or about 80 nm to about 250 nm; or about 100 nm to about 250 nm; or about 5 nm to about 200 nm; about 10 nm to about 200 nm; or about 50 nm to about 200 nm; or about 80 n to about 200 nm; or about 100 nm to about 200 nm; or about 80 nm to about 200 nm.

[078] The reactor ceils according to at least some embodiments also include one or more piasmonic photocatalysts dispersed onto a catalyst support. As with the casing, in some embodiments, the catalyst support has a low absorbance, and in particular, a low enough absorbance (for the particular radiation wavelength or wavelength range in use) so that the reactants are exposed to a sufficient amount of radiation to result in the desired catalytic effect for the particular reactor cell geometry in use

[079] One of skill in the art will recognize that any material having the desired

absorbance or transmittance for a predetermined light wavelength (or set or range of light wavelengths) may be used for the catalyst support. In some embodiments, the catalyst support comprises silica, quartz, fused quartz, glass, borosilicate glass, aluminosilicate glass, lithium-aluminosilicate glass, sapphire, diamond, or combinations thereof. The catalyst support of the disclosure may be in any form known in the art, such as in the form of beads, microporous beads, fibers, spheres, pellets, cylinders (hollow or otherwise), honeycombs, or symmetrical or asymmetrical tri-quadrulobes (for example, using extrusion or tableting methods). In some embodiments, the catalyst support of the disclosure may be an aerogel. Suitable aerogels include, but are not limited to, silicon dioxide aerogel, aluminum oxide aerogel, titanium dioxide aerogel, zirconium dioxide aerogel, holmium oxide aerogel, samarium oxide aerogel, erbium oxide aerogel, neodymium(l!l) oxide aerogel, or a combination thereof in some embodiments, the catalyst support of the disclosure is a silicon dioxide aerogel. One of skill will recognize that when the support is an aerogel, the piasmonic photocataiyst may be dispersed throughout the aerogel (for example, the piasmonic photocataiyst may be embedded into the aerogel). In some embodiments, the catalyst support of the disclosure may be transparent aluminum oxide (such as a-phase aluminum oxide or g-phase aluminum oxide).

[080] The piasmonic photocataiyst may be present on the catalyst support in any amount suitable for the desired use. For example, the piasmonic photocataiyst may be present on the catalyst support in an amount between about 0.01 wt % and about 30 wt %; or about 0.01 wt % and about 80 wt %; or about 10 wt % and about 80 wt %; or about 0.01 wt % and about 70 vvt %; or about 10 wt % and about 70 wt %. In some embodiments, the plasmonic photocatalyst may be present on the catalyst support in an amount between about 0.01 voi % and about 30 vol %; or about 0.01 vol % and about 20 vol %; or about 10 vol % and about 50 voi %; or about 0.01 vol % and about 70 vol %; or about 10 vol % and about 70 vol %.

[081] In some embodiments, the plasmonic photocatalyst may be present on the catalyst support as a thin coating on the outer surface of the support (e.g., as one or a few layers).

In one or more embodiments, the plasmonic photocatalyst layer that is coated onto the support may be up to about 30 nm, or up to about 25 nm, or up to about 15 nm; or at least about 0.5 nm, or at least 2 nm, or at least 5 n , or at least 10 nm; or between about 5 nm to about 300 nm; or about 10 nm to about 3QQ n ; or about 50 n to about 300 nm; or about 80 nm to about 300 nm; or about 100 nm to about 300 nm; or about 5 nm to about 200 nm; about 10 nm to about 200 nm; or about 50 nm to about 2QQ nm; or about 80 nm to about 200 nm; or about 100 n to about 200 nm; or about 80 nm to about 200 nm; or about 5 nm to about 100 nm; about 10 nm to about 100 n ; or about 50 nm to about 100 nm; or about 10 n to about 50 nm; or about 1 n to about 50 nm.

[082] In some embodiments, the reactor cell comprises one plasmonic photocataiyst on the catalyst support disposed within the casing (e.g., one type of supported plasmonic photocataiyst would be disposed within the casing). In some embodiments, the reactor cell comprises two or more plasmonic photocataiysts on the catalyst support disposed within the casing (e.g., two or more different supported plasmonic photocataiysts would be disposed within the casing). Two or more plasmonic photocataiysts on the catalyst support may be provided either mixed or in distinct layers. For example, each layer would have one type of supported plasmonic photocataiyst having a desired plasmon resonant frequency and/or a desired diameter in a non-limiting example, one layer would absorb one desired wavelength range relative to other wavelengths, the next layer would absorb another wavelength range, and the final layer (e.g., an intermediate layer) would absorb other wavelengths, such as wavelengths outside the first and second wavelength ranges.

[083] The reactor cel! may further comprise one or more packing support elements configured to retain the catalyst within the casing. In some embodiments, the packing support elements are provided at an input end and at an output end of the reactor cell. In some embodiments, the packing support elements are provided at the input end, the output end, and spaced throughout the interior of the reactor ceil casing. Conventional materials for use as a packing support may be used, such as metal mesh, glass beads (having a larger diameter than the support), glass wool, monolith, polymer, or elastomer, for example. Alternatively, a fluidized catalyst bed may be used instead of the aforementioned packed bed

[Q84] Representative methods of the disclosure include, but are not limited to, oxidation and reduction, water or air pollution remediation reactions, NO_x and N₂0 decompositions, hydrogenation such as acetylene hydrogenation, carbon dioxide conversion, and nitrogen activation, including the synthesis of ammonia. Some of the representative chemical transformations include:

CH₄ + H₂O— H₂ + CO

CH₄ + CO₂ ® H₂+ CO

H₂0 + CO H₂+ CO₂

CO₂ + H₂® CO + H₂O

co₂ + H₂ CH_{4 +} H₂G

N₂O— N₂+ 0₂

C₂H₂ + H₂-® C₂H₄

H₂ + N₂® NH₃

NH₃ ® H₂ + N₂

C0₂ + H₂ ® CH4OH + H₂O

[085] Thus, in some embodiments, the reactants are methane and water; or the reactants are methane and carbon dioxide; or the reactants are carbon monoxide and water; or the reactants are carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas; or the reactant is nitrous oxide; or the reactants are acetylene and hydrogen gas; or the reactants are hydrogen gas and nitrogen gas; or the reactants are carbon dioxide and hydrogen gas.

[086] The methods of the disclosure may be performed at any suitable temperature. For example, in some embodiments, the methods of the disclosure are performed at a temperature ranging from about 100 °C to about 300 °C; or about 100 °C to about 250 °C; or about 100 °C to about 200 °C; or about 150 °C to about 300 °C; or about 150 °C to about 250 °C; or about 150 °C to about 200 °C; or about 200 °C to about 300 °C; or about 200 °C to about 250 °C; or about 180 °C to about 220 °C; or about 190 °C to about 210 °C; or about 20 °C to about 300 °C; or about 20 °C to about 250 °C; or about 20 °C to about 2QQ °C; or about 20 °C to about 150 °C; or about 20 °C to about 100 °C.

[087] The methods of the disclosure may be performed at any suitable pressure. For example, in some embodiments, the methods of the disclosure are performed at a pressure ranging from about 14 psi to about 300 psi, or about 14 psi to about 200 psi, or about 14 psi to about 100 psi, or about 14 psi to about 50 psi, or about 100 psi to about 300 psi, or about 100 psi to about 200 psi.

[088] In the methods of the disclosure, the reactants might be introduced into the reactor cel! at any suitable temperature. In some embodiments, the reactant has a temperature ranging from about 200 °C to about 300 °C; or about 200 °C to about 270 °C; or about 200 °C to about 250 °C; or about 230 °C to about 270 °C, when introduced into the reactor cell.

[089] It is understood that the examples and embodiments described herein are for illustrative purposes only and that various modifications or changes in light thereof will be suggested to persons skilled in the art and are to be incorporated within the spirit and purview of this application and scope of the appended claims. Ali publications, patents, and patent applications cited herein are hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A reactor cell comprising:

a casing comprising at least one inlet and at least one outlet;

at least one heat management or light management feature;

a catalyst bed comprising at least one plasmonic photocatalyst on a catalyst support disposed within the casing, wherein the plasmonic photocatalyst comprises a catalyst coupled to a plasmonic material,

wherein, upon application of a light source, the reactor cell is configured to transform at least one reactant into at least one reformate

2. The reactor ceil of claim 1 , wherein the heat management feature confines or maintains heat from external heating and/or hot electron decay substantially within the reactor ceil.

3. The reactor cell of claim 1 , wherein the heat management feature provides external heating or cooling to an interior of the reactor cell.

4. The reactor ceil of claim 1 , wherein the heat management feature reduces localized heating within a catalyst bed comprised of the at least one plasmonic photocatalyst on the catalyst support.

5. The reactor ceil of claim 1 , further comprising at least one heat management feature to manage heat associated with the light source.

6. The reactor cell of claim 1 , further comprising at least one heat management feature to manage heat associated with a light conduit associated with the light source.

7. The reactor ceil of claim 1 , wherein the heat management feature or light management feature comprises a vacuum jacket disposed around the casing.

8. The reactor cell of claim 1 , wherein the light management feature comprises the casing, a vacuum jacket, and/or an immersion tube being constructed a material that is optically transparent to a wavelength of light used for a particular desired chemical reaction.

9. The reactor cell of claim 9, wherein the material is quartz.

10. The reactor cell of claim 1. wherein the light management feature comprises optical conduits between light sources and the reactor cell having reflective wails.

11. The reactor ceil of claim 1 , wherein the light management feature comprises optical conduits between light sources and the reactor cell being joined flush with the reactor ceil to prevent light.

12. The reactor cell of claim 1 , wherein the light management or heat management feature comprises optical conduits between light sources and the reactor ceil being positioned with a gap between the optical conduits and the reactor ceil to prevent prevent heat conduction and light leakage.

13. The reactor ceil of claim 1 , wherein the light management feature comprises a catalyst bed comprised of the at least one p!asmonic photocataiyst on the catalyst support being designed to absorb at least a majority of incident light from the light source.

14. The reactor ceil of claim 1 , wherein the light management feature comprises the catalyst bed being filled to a sufficently long catalyst column to prevent incident light from being outside the catalyst column in the casing.

15. The reactor cell of claim 8, wherein the light management feature comprises an outside surface of the reactor cel! being coated with a mirrored layer in the regions above and below light conduits associated with the light source, in order to reflect light escaping from the vacuum jacket back into the reactor ceil, and in particular, the catalyst bed.

16. The reactor cell of claim 1 , wherein the light management feature comprises a light source PCB or LED module being provided with a reflective coating to baek-ref!ect wayward incident light.

17. The reactor ceil of claim 1 , wherein the light source comprises a plurality of light sources arranged in a reactor enclosure to prevent emitted light from any one of the plurality of light source from striking another one of the plurality of light sources within the reactor enclosure.

18. The reactor ceil of claim 1 , further comprising a heat exchanger to actively cool the light source.

19. The reactor cell of claim 1 , further comprising a fluid coolant system to pass a coolant fluid on a surface of the light source.

20. The reactor cell of claim 19. wherein the surface of the light source is selected from a rear (non-emitting) surface of the light source or an LED module RGB of the light source.