Effect of Light Irradiation on the Oxidation Reactions of Olefins by Silver Catalysts

Abstract

The effect of light irradiation on the catalytic oxidation reactions of olefins by silver catalysts was studied. The silver catalysts used were silver metal powder and supported silver metals on semiconductor anatase titania or several insulator oxides such as γ-alumina, silica and porous vychol glass. Light irradiation increased the reaction rate whenever the catalysts were used. When anatase titania was used as a support, the increase in reaction rate was dependent on the irradiation wavelength, and this increase was caused by some photochemical effects. However, such a wavelength effect was not found for γ-alumina, showing that rate promotion was due to the temperature increase under light irradiation.