This course discusses the concepts and applications of photocatalysis in the context of technology and materials science. Photocatalysis is a process in which a substance (photocatalyst) accelerates chemical reactions under light, usually ultraviolet or visible light. This course is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of photocatalysis mechanisms, types of photocatalysts, as well as their applications in various fields, such as water treatment, pollutant breakdown, and energy conversion.

• Basic Concept of Photocatalysis Processes

  • Introduction to photocatalysis: principles and mechanisms
  • Role of light, catalysts, and reactive species in photocatalytic reactions

• Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Photocatalytic Processes

  • Thermodynamic principles governing photocatalytic reactions
  • Reaction kinetics and rate-determining steps in photocatalysis
  • Factors influencing the efficiency of photocatalytic processes

• Semiconductor Photocatalyst Materials

  • Types of semiconductor materials used in photocatalysis (e.g., TiO₂, ZnO)
  • Bandgap engineering and its effect on photocatalytic activity
  • Advances in the development of semiconductor photocatalysts

• Basic Parameters of Photocatalytic Processes

  • Key parameters affecting photocatalysis: light intensity, wavelength, catalyst loading, and reaction medium
  • Methods for optimizing photocatalytic performance

• Photocatalyst Nanomaterial Engineering

  • Synthesis and modification of nanostructured photocatalysts
  • Role of nanomaterials in enhancing photocatalytic efficiency
  • Surface engineering and functionalization of photocatalysts

• Photocatalytic Applications for Degradation of Organic Pollutants and Heavy Metals

  • Applications in wastewater treatment and environmental remediation
  • Mechanisms for degrading organic compounds and reducing heavy metals

• Photocatalysis Applications for Self-Cleaning and Anti-Fogging

  • Use of photocatalysts in developing self-cleaning surfaces
  • Anti-fogging applications for glass, mirrors, and other materials

• Photocatalysis Applications for Anti-Bacterial and Cancer Therapy

  • Photocatalytic disinfection for antibacterial properties
  • Photodynamic therapy applications for cancer treatment

• Photocatalysis Applications for Engineering ‘Daily Life Tools’

  • Integration of photocatalytic materials in consumer products
  • Examples: coatings, textiles, and household items with photocatalytic properties

• Photocatalysis Applications in the Renewable Energy Sector

  • Photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen production
  • Role of photocatalysis in solar-to-energy conversion technologies

• Solar Detoxification Engineering with Photocatalysis

  • Use of solar energy in photocatalytic detoxification processes
  • Applications in treating industrial and municipal wastewater

• Intensification of Photocatalysis Processes

  • Strategies for enhancing photocatalytic efficiency: reactor design, light sources, and catalyst optimization
  • Scale-up and commercialization challenges in photocatalysis
•  

• M. Schiavello, Heterogeneous Photocatalysis, John Wiley & Sons, 1997.
• A. Fujishima, K. Hashimoto, & T. Watanabe, TiO2 Photocatalysis: Fundamentals and Applications, BKC Inc., Japan, 1999.
• J. B. Galvez, et al., Solar Detoxification, Natural Sciences, Basic and Engineering Sciences, UNESCO.
• M. Kaneko & I. Okura, Photocatalysis Science and Technology, Springer USA, 2002.
• C. A. Grimes & G. K. Mor, TiO2 Nanotube Arrays: Synthesis, Properties, and Applications, Springer, New York, 2009.