From July 28 to 31, 2023, the 17th National Conference on Solar Photochemistry and Photocatalysis, sponsored by the China Renewable Energy Society and hosted by Inner Mongolia University, with co-sponsorship from Inner Mongolia Normal University and Inner Mongolia University of Technology, and sponsored by Beijing Perfectlight Technology Co., Ltd., was held in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia.
This conference was a grand gathering of researchers in the field of solar photochemistry and photocatalysis in China. It comprehensively showcased the latest advancements and achievements in this field and delved into the opportunities, challenges, and future directions. The aim was to promote communication and collaboration between the academic and industrial sectors, contributing to the scientific and technological development of solar photochemistry and photocatalysis in China.
As a biennial event, this conference featured prominent keynote speakers, including Academician Li Can from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Academician Sun Licheng from Westlake University; Academician Yang Jinlong from the University of Science and Technology of China; Professor Fu Honggang from Heilongjiang University; Researcher Meng Qingbo from the Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences; Professor Yu Jiaguo from China University of Geosciences (Wuhan); Professor Xiong Yujie from the University of Hebei/NIMS; Professor Ye Jinhua from Tsinghua University; and Researcher Zhang Tieren from the Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences.
During this conference, there were 10 parallel sessions featuring 39 thematic presentations, 165 invited talks, 36 oral presentations, and 110 poster presentations.
The ten parallel sessions included:
Environmental Photocatalysis A (Degradation and Advanced Oxidation); Environmental Photocatalysis B (Hydrogen Peroxide Production and Devices); Photocatalytic Water Splitting A (Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production); Photocatalytic Water Splitting B (OER Reactions); Photocatalytic Synthesis Reactions and Mechanistic Studies; Synergistic Catalysis with Light, Electricity, and Heat; New Photocatalytic Materials and Their Applications; Photocatalytic Surfaces and Interfaces, Mechanistic Studies; Solar Photovoltaics and Young Scholars Forum.
Dr. Liu Huan from Perfectlight Technology was invited to present on the topic of "Impact of Temperature Distribution on the Accuracy of Contact-Type Temperature Measurement During Photothermal Testing." The presentation primarily discussed the standards to be followed in contact-type temperature measurement during photothermal temperature measurement. It also introduced a non-contact temperature measurement scheme that effectively addresses single-point temperature measurement during photothermal reactions, ensuring accurate and reliable results.
At this conference, Perfectlight Technology showcased its latest research and technological innovations, presenting two flagship devices: PLR-SPRF Small-Scale Plate-Type Photocatalytic Reaction Device and PLR-RP Series Photothermal Catalytic Reaction Evaluation Device.
The PLR-SPRF Small-Scale Plate-Type Photocatalytic Reaction Device is primarily used for outdoor small-scale photocatalytic water splitting reactions, aiding in process design scaling up to achieve final large-scale production.
This device is currently used by Professor Zhu Yongfa's team at Tsinghua University and North Minzu University.
The PLR-RP Series Photothermal Catalytic Reaction Evaluation Device adopts an innovative quartz column light-guiding method and an ambient irradiation reactor, significantly increasing the illuminated area of the catalyst from the planar irradiation's 0.3 cm² to approximately 20 cm², a nearly 70-fold improvement. It is suitable for various reaction types, including methane reforming for hydrogen production, carbon dioxide reduction, methane/carbon dioxide reforming, methane coupling, ethane dehydrogenation, Fischer-Tropsch synthesis, VOC photocatalytic degradation, and research on the conversion mechanisms of NOx and SO₂ in the atmosphere.
In addition, Perfectlight Technology showcased a range of laboratory equipment in the fields of photocatalysis, photothermal catalysis, photoelectrocatalysis, and photochemical synthesis, aiming to provide comprehensive solutions for conference participants.
The Perfectlight exhibition area was bustling with consultations and lively discussions. Participants engaged with our staff regarding the equipment they were interested in, exchanging information and addressing their specific needs and questions to collectively explore equipment solutions for their future research work.
At the closing ceremony of the conference, Perfectlight Technology presented a significant award—Youth Scientist Award. This award, sponsored by Perfectlight Technology, will be selected by the China Renewable Energy Society, and the list of three young scientists who will receive the award will be determined.
Perfectlight believes that through joint efforts and cooperation, new breakthroughs can be achieved in the field of solar photochemistry, photocatalysis, and other scientific research areas. Seizing this conference as an opportunity, we aim to deepen our exchanges and cooperation with scientists and researchers from the industry, collectively explore the future directions in this field, and contribute to the innovation and application of renewable energy technologies.
