Fotokatalüüsiga

Fotokatalüüsiga is a phenomenon where a substance, known as a photocatalyst, absorbs light energy and uses it to drive a chemical reaction. This process typically involves a semiconductor material that, when exposed to light of a sufficient energy (usually UV or visible light), generates electron-hole pairs. These excited electrons and holes can then react with adsorbed molecules on the surface of the photocatalyst, leading to their transformation.

The most common photocatalyst is titanium dioxide (TiO2), widely studied and applied due to its abundance, low toxicity, and stability. Other materials like zinc oxide (ZnO), cadmium sulfide (CdS), and various composite materials also exhibit photocatalytic activity. The efficiency of fotokatalüüsiga depends on several factors, including the light source intensity and wavelength, the properties of the photocatalyst (e.g., band gap, surface area, crystal structure), and the presence of co-catalysts or dopants.

Applications of fotokatalüüsiga are diverse and include environmental remediation, such as the degradation of organic pollutants in water and air, and the self-cleaning of surfaces. It is also utilized in hydrogen production from water splitting, CO2 reduction into valuable chemicals, and in antibacterial coatings for medical devices and building materials. The ability to harness solar energy to drive these chemical transformations makes fotokatalüüsiga a promising technology for sustainable development.