How to calculate the quantum efficiency in the photochemical reaction?
Answers
Almost everyone has a correct answer for a specific question, but no one has real question of how to measure absorbed photons in a heterogenous slurry where the photocatalyst is a nano something. The best answer I can offer is to configure the reactor as a double shelled tube with an actinometer solution in the outer shell and the reaction mixture in the inner one with the reactor window admitting light only to the reaction compartment (tape off the outer compartment from all outside light). Fill the inner shell with water or whatever solvent is used in the reaction and measure the conversion of actinometer, Redo this experiment with the photoreaction mixture in the inner shell and again measure the conversion of actinometer. If done correctly, absorbed light in the reactor will be the difference between the two actinometer readings. You also have to measure the extent of conversion of CO2 to CH4 during the time the light is on. The total photon flux is given by the conversion of actinom/QY act