A novel pulsed xenon flashlamp photoreactor and its potential applications in flow analysis with chemiluminescence detection

The pulsed xenon flashlamp as a source of UV-light in a flow analytical system is proposed. Milliseconds long, high energy pulses were applied to a suspension of photocatalyst (TiO2) in order to generate free radicals capable of participating in a luminol chemiluminescence reaction. Three commercially available TiO2 powders of different crystal structures and sizes were selected to prepare suspensions in an H2O2 solution or in ultrapure water. The preliminary results indicate that the induction of chemiluminescence signals using the proposed photoreactor is possible. The intensity of the chemiluminescence signals depends on the number of flashes applied and the composition of the irradiated suspension. The photoreactor described is compact, small in size and capable of saving reagents and energy. Additionally, the system allows us to obtain chemiluminescence signals with shorter irradiation time when compared to configurations employing classical low-pressure mercury lamps. The detailed characteristics of a flashlamp photoreactor and its potential applications in flow systems are discussed.