Fotokatalizátorok

Fotokatalizátorok, often translated as photocatalysts, are materials that accelerate chemical reactions when exposed to light. This process, known as photocatalysis, involves the absorption of photons by the photocatalyst, leading to the generation of electron-hole pairs. These charge carriers can then participate in redox reactions, facilitating the degradation of organic pollutants, the splitting of water to produce hydrogen, or the synthesis of various chemical compounds.

A key requirement for a photocatalyst is its ability to absorb light, typically in the ultraviolet or visible spectrum, and to generate charge carriers that are mobile and long-lived enough to reach the surface and react. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is one of the most widely studied and applied photocatalysts due to its abundance, non-toxicity, and excellent photocatalytic activity. Other common photocatalysts include zinc oxide (ZnO), cadmium sulfide (CdS), and various composite materials.

The efficiency of photocatalysis is influenced by several factors, including the surface area of the photocatalyst, the crystallinity, the presence of co-catalysts, and the wavelength and intensity of the incident light. Photocatalytic technologies have found applications in environmental remediation, such as air and water purification, as well as in renewable energy production and the synthesis of fine chemicals. Research continues to focus on developing more efficient and cost-effective photocatalytic materials and processes.