What is the mechanism of photocatalysis?

What is the mechanism of photocatalysis?

Photocatalysis is a photo-activated chemical reaction occurring when free radical mechanisms are initiated as contact is made between the compound and photons that have sufficiently high energy levels.

Why semiconductor used in photocatalysis?

This technology is based on the use of a semiconductor that can be excited by light with an energy higher than its band gap, inducing the formation of energy-rich electron-hole pairs, which can be involved in redox reactions.

Why photocatalysis is important?

Photocatalysis is a promising technique for solving the worldwide energy and environmental crisis. This improved photocatalytic activity of the nanocomposite photocatalysts is attributed to the enhancement of the charge separation, irradiation absorption, and photo and chemical stability.

Why is TiO2 a good photocatalyst?

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has been widely used as a photocatalyst in many environmental and energy applications due to its efficient photoactivity, high stability, low cost, and safety to the environment and humans.

Which is best photocatalyst?

With TiO2 being hailed as the most effective photocatalyst, it is natural that many doping studies have revolved around it as the main photocatalyst. Fig. 3.1 shows a simple illustration in terms of energy requirement difference between undoped metal and nonmetal doped TiO2.

Who discovered photocatalyst?

In the late 1960s and early ’70s, when Fujishima was completing his doctorate course work under Kenichi Honda’s supervision, the two found that a relatively inexpensive and widely available material, titanium dioxide, acts as a photocatalyst—a substance that facilitates a chemical reaction when it is exposed to …

Who invented photocatalysis?

Akira Fujishima

Akira Fujishima
Known for Discovery of photocatalytic and superhydrophilic properties of TiO2
Awards Asahi Prize (1983) Japan Prize (2004) Japan Academy Prize (2004) Order of Culture (2017)
Scientific career
Fields Photoelectrochemistry TiO2 Photocatalysis Photofunctional Materials Diamond Electrochemistry

Who is the professor of photocatalysis at Tokyo University?

Professor Fujishima is known for significant contributions to the discovery and research of photo catalytic and superhydrophilic properties of titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ). Professor Fujishima has been the recipient of many prestigious awards and honors.

When did Fujishima publish his research on photocatalysis?

Undeterred, Fujishima carried on, publishing his research in “Nature” in 1972 and the rest is history. The timing of the publication was perfect: oil shocks that rocked the world thrust his research into the spotlight. His initial find and subsequent research has formed the foundation for a thriving body of research on photocatalysis.

How is photocatalysis used in the real world?

The phenomenon of photocatalysis, announced in 1967 by Dr. Fujishima along with Dr. Kenichi Honda, is able to produce a variety of effects using only light, and without using any electricity. Its applications have since expanded to supplying antifouling and antifogging effects, as well as oxidation-reduction, among many others.

Who was the first person to discover photocatalysis?

Dr. Akira Fujishima, a Japanese researcher, was the first person to discover the photocatalysis that forms the basis of the effect. The phenomenon of photocatalysis, announced in 1967 by Dr. Fujishima along with Dr. Kenichi Honda, is able to produce a variety of effects using only light, and without using any electricity.