Optimization of a monolithic fiber solar photoreactor for the photoreduction of CO2 to methanol

Abstract

• A solar photocatalyst is modeled and optimized. • Conversion efficiency, by-products, and sustainability are analyzed. • A production of 2.15 × 10 −4 mol/m 3 of CH 3 OH is achieved. • Optimal values are obtained for the photocatalytic system. Photoreduction is a promising technology for CO 2 conversion and emission reduction, with monolithic solar fiber optic photoreactors enabling the transformation of CO 2 into methanol. However, current systems face several limitations, including suboptimal light capture, inefficient mass transfer, and the variability of solar irradiation due to changing climatic conditions. Additionally, challenges remain in optimizing operating parameters and understanding the impact of by-product formation on overall system performance. This study introduces a solar-driven monolithic fiber photoreactor model optimized for the photocatalytic reduction of CO 2 to methanol. The novelty lies in coupling a single-fiber geometry with full-spectrum solar irradiance to evaluate reactor performance and sustainability metrics. A MATLAB-based model was employed to simulate light distribution, reaction kinetics, and product formation under various conditions. The optimized configuration achieved a methanol yield of 2.15 × 10⁻ 4 mol m⁻ 3 and a CO 2 conversion efficiency of 0.95%, an order of magnitude improvement over previously reported UV-based fiber reactors. These findings offer valuable insights for the development of more efficient and sustainable photocatalytic reactor systems, with potential implications for industrial-scale CO 2 reduction technologies.