We developed a prototype photocatalytic reactor based on a
static design, hence tackling a change in the paradigm of
photocatalytic reactor engineering. For this, the synthesis of
semiconductive oxide nanocavity layers was scaled up to form up
to 100 cm2 large photocatalytic surfaces immobilized on rigid
elements (e.g. Ti plates). Such design also allows for
electrochemical control, if desired, being such photocatalytic
surfaces back-contacted by a conductive Ti support. The
prototype reactor demonstrated the feasibility of a static
design and showed oxide nanocavity layers or nanotubular
structures to be more active than classic photocatalytic
surfaces such as nanoparticulate films.