What Makes an Effective Photoreactor?

This article examines what makes a reactor truly effective and the key principles of photoreactor design. With a focus on the Asynt LightSyn range, it will cover the diverse needs of researchers and industry and how it is possible to ensure these needs are met.

The LightSyn Illumin8 allows for 8 parallel photochemical reactions. Image Credit: Asynt

Versatility at Its Core

Photochemistry has a range of applications, so to ensure the success of a photoreactor, versatility with the capability to conduct reactions at several wavelengths, different temperatures, and volumes is crucial. This versatility enables the reactor to be used with relative ease across a broad range of photochemical transformations and conditions. Asynt has integrated this into its LightSyn range of photochemistry tools.

Advanced Light Source Technology

To ensure a photoreactor achieves repeatable results, the light source must be precise and consistent, especially when working in parallel. LEDs are well-suited for this task as they can emit light at an extremely narrow wavelength with great efficiency. Asynt’s LightSyn Illumin8 features an interchangeable lighting module so that LEDs of varying wavelengths, including ultraviolet options, can easily switch in and out.

Efficient Energy Distribution

The light from the LEDs can be concentrated in numerous ways during the reaction. In Asynt’s LightSyn range, three different methods are used: 

• The Illumin8 ensures each vial is held in close proximity to the curved aluminum chamber wall that bounces the light back into each reaction; this has the additional benefit of ensuring each reaction vial receives the same amount of light.
• The Lighthouse contains a quartz rod that runs directly from the face of the LED into the reaction, transporting the photons in a manner similar to an optic fiber for maximum efficiency. 
• Lastly, Asynt’s PhotoFlow utilizes a lens to focus the light into the reaction below.

The Lighthouse uses a quartz rod to channel photons directly into the reactants. Image Credit: Asynt

Robustness for Consistent Performance

Laboratory equipment must be robust enough to face up to the task in fast-paced and potentially harsh environments to continue delivering reliable and repeatable results. For this reason, a good photoreactor should be constructed of quality materials that are precision-engineered – something Asynt incorporates into its LightSyn photoreactor range.

Scalable Solutions

Scalability between small-scale lab experiments or larger preparative scales means that a good photoreactor can be used during the research process whilst delivering repeatable results over increasing volumes.

Asynt took such considerations into account when working in collaboration with The University of Leeds to develop the Asynt PhotoFlow modules. These modules facilitate scale-up through continuous flow tank reactors (CSTRs), where up to five PhotoFlow modules can be introduced sequentially.

Prioritizing Safety

Safety is an overriding factor when designing any type of photoreactor in terms of how it handles chemicals and its powerful LEDs. Reaction vials should be tightly sealed, and measures should be taken to prevent any incidental exposure to high-intensity light. At the heart of Asynt’s LightSyn photoreactor design is the inclusion of micro switches that ensure activation only occurs when fully closed.

PhotoFlow modules can be added to fReactor CSTRs to provide for combined flow and photochemistry. Image Credit: Asynt

User-Friendly Design

Ultimately, no matter how state-of-the-art a photoreactor is, it must also be user-friendly, high-quality, effective, efficient, and without needless complications. By delivering a system that incorporates all of these elements, the LightSyn range of photochemistry tools allows researchers to modernize the laboratory while enhancing sustainability thanks to its energy-efficient designs.

Conclusion

Asynt’s photoreactor design is focused on efficiency, robustness, scalability, safety, versatility, and ease-of-use with the aim of exceeding the expectations of the scientific community and adjacent industries. Asynt’s innovative LightSyn range makes a serious contribution to the advancement of photochemistry.

Discover more about Asynt’s advanced products and learn more about photochemistry.

Visit Asynt’s product pages and explore online blogs to learn about the LightSyn range and all the latest in photochemical trends and applications.

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Asynt.

For more information on this source, please visit Asynt.