For the photocatalytic reactor to work in UV-a to the visible range, is it compulsory to use a quartz beaker to hold the sample? Instead, if borosilicate beakers are used, will it ensure good transmission of UV radiation?
Borosilicate can be used. It depends on optical properties (in turn depending on wall thickness, content of specific metals, etc.). You can measure the transmittance. Usually above ca. 350 nm it is OK. We measured the properties for some gas and liquid phase reactors used in our lab. You can see some details in:
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