UVdriven

UV-driven refers to processes that are initiated or controlled by ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet radiation spans roughly 10 to 400 nanometers, commonly categorized as UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C, and it can excite electronic states in molecules and materials. In photochemistry, UV photons promote molecules from ground to excited states, enabling bond cleavage or formation, isomerization, and charge transfer, often generating reactive intermediates such as radicals or electron–hole pairs.

Applications of UV-driven processes include UV-curable polymers and coatings, where photoinitiators generate radicals to rapidly polymerize resins upon exposure. UV lithography uses patterned UV exposure to define micro- and nanoscale features. Photocatalysis employs UV light to activate catalysts such as titanium dioxide, driving degradation of pollutants, sterilization, and water purification.

Biological and safety considerations note that UV radiation can cause DNA damage and increase cancer risk, motivating protective measures such as sunscreens and shielding in environments with UV exposure. Conversely, UV-driven effects are harnessed in phototherapy, sterilization, and certain diagnostic techniques under controlled conditions.

Challenges and future directions focus on the limited share of UV light in the solar spectrum and material stability under UV exposure. Research aims to develop more efficient photoinitiators, improve UV-responsive materials, and explore strategies to shift activity toward visible wavelengths or to enable upconversion that makes UV-driven technologies more energy efficient and broadly applicable.