Photocatalysis applications

Qian, Z. Pathak, B. Nisar,). Ahuja, R., Oxygen- and nitrogen-chemisorbed carbon nanostructures for Z-scheme photocatalysis applications. /. Nanoparticle Res. 2012,14 895/1-895/7. 

The earliest example of the semiconductor photocatalysis application as a method of disinfection was published by Matsunaga et al. (1985). This work reveals that Ti02 particles were effective in the inactivation of bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Escherichia coli. To date more than 200 studies are related with this subject and at least three reviews were dedicated to photocatalytic disinfection (Blake et al. 1999 Srinivasan and Somasundaram 2003 Carp et al. 2004). Some general conclusions on Ti02 disinfection are reported below and the literature will be discussed more specifically throughout the chapter. 

Rajeshwar, K. Ibanez, J. G. Electrochemical Aspects of Photocatalysis Application to Detoxification and Disinfection Scenarios, J. Chem. Educ. 1995, 72, 1044— 1049. 

Complete mineralization of alkyl [159, 160], vinyl [161], and aryl [162-164] halides, as shown in Eq. 25, for example, probably requires the generation of a photogenerated hydroxyl radical. These reactions figure prominently in current photocatalysis applications dealing with environmental purification. 

Now that TiOj photocatalysis application is rapidly growing, the need for standardization becomes urgent. As Japan is the cradle of TiOj photocatalysis, standards became available in Japan first Taking benefit of the Japanese experiences, international standards should be developed and published without delay. 

Mishra S, Ahrenkiel SP (2012) Synthesis and characterization of electrospun nanocomposite Ti02 nanofibers with Ag nanoparticles for photocatalysis applications. J Nanomater 2012(90291) 1-6. doi 10.1155/2012/902491... 

Other transition metal oxides have also been investigated for photocatalysis applications. Iron oxides, nickel oxides, and copper oxides are among the most popular materials due to the abundance and low toxicity. 

N. Serpone and E. Pelizzetti, eds.. Photocatalysis Fundamentals and Applications,John Wiley Sons, Inc., New York, 1989. 

F. Akira, H. Kazuhito and W. Toshiya, Ti02 Photocatalysis fundamentals and applications, 46. 

Goebl JA, Black RW, Puthussery J, Gibhn J, Kosel TH, Kuno M (2008) Solution-based II-VI core/shell nanowire heterostructures. J Am Chem Soc 130 14822-14833 Hoffmann MR, Martin ST, Choi W, Bahnemann DW (1995) Environmental applications of semiconductor photocatalysis. Chem Rev 95 69-96... 

Present developments and perspectives for applications in the futiue, of photocatalysis and thermal catalysis induced by solar radiation, for utilization of solar energy. 

Of the numerous works described in the literature, particular examples are selected, which hopefully will let a reader to feel the flavour of R D, as well as potential applications in various areas of photocatalysis. 

Like water, the interaction of 02 with Ti02 also has implications for photocatalysis. As with water again, reactions of 02 with Ti02 are also important because 02 will form part of the environment in many Ti02 applications. 

Nanotechnology has provided significant new tools and applications in photocatalysis. Despite photocatalysis being a well-established concept, the reduced dimensions of nanoscale materials conferred different and often improved performances to photocatalysts. This also allowed the systematic study of the properties that have a large influence on catalytic activity. Therefore, the tools offered by nanotechnology can be readily employed in photocatalysis to improve the results in terms of efficiency and productivity. 

Figure4.2 Schematic representation ofthe main areas of application ofTi02-based photocatalysis and the organization of the present chapter.

One of the most important fields of application of photocatalysis is the photodegeneration of organic compounds. These processes are used in particular for environmental decontamination, especially for wastewater treatment and air purification, because of the ability of semiconductors to totally degrade organics to C02, H 20, and inorganic anions under U V or visible light. This behavior is attributed to the photoinduced formation of radicals, such as OH, or to the adsorption and direct degradation of the pollutants. 

All the applications of photocatalysis have one common point they can help in obtaining processes that obey the requirements of green chemistry. In fact, many of the principles of sustainable chemistry are applied to photoinduced transformations in all areas of application [18]. The major achievement of photocatalysis is the use of catalysis and light, which are two of the pillars of sustainable chemistry. 

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