fotokatalyyttisessä

fotokatalyyttisessä is the Finnish term for "photocatalytic." This refers to a process where a photocatalyst is used to accelerate a chemical reaction using light. A photocatalyst is a substance that, when exposed to light, can initiate or speed up a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. The light energy is absorbed by the photocatalyst, exciting its electrons and creating highly reactive species, such as free radicals. These reactive species then interact with other molecules, leading to their transformation.

Commonly used photocatalysts include titanium dioxide (TiO2), which is widely employed in applications like self-cleaning surfaces, air purification, and water treatment. When TiO2 is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, it generates reactive oxygen species that can break down organic pollutants and kill microorganisms. Other photocatalysts, such as zinc oxide (ZnO) and certain metal complexes, are also being researched and utilized for various purposes.

The field of photocatalysis has significant applications in environmental remediation, energy production, and synthesis. In environmental applications, it can be used to degrade harmful pollutants in air and water. In energy, it plays a role in artificial photosynthesis for hydrogen production and solar energy conversion. Furthermore, photocatalysis can be employed in organic synthesis to create complex molecules with high efficiency and selectivity. The effectiveness of photocatalysis depends on factors such as the type of photocatalyst, the wavelength and intensity of the light source, and the reaction conditions.