valokatalyysiä

Valokatalyysiä is a Finnish term that translates to photocatalysis in English. It is a chemical process that accelerates a reaction with the help of light. In photocatalysis, a substance called a photocatalyst absorbs photons, which are light particles, and becomes energized. This energized photocatalyst then participates in a chemical reaction, often by facilitating the transfer of electrons or energy to reactant molecules.

The most common photocatalyst is titanium dioxide (TiO2), which is widely used in various applications. When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, TiO2 generates reactive oxygen species, such as hydroxyl radicals and superoxide radicals. These highly reactive species can then break down organic pollutants, bacteria, and viruses.

The applications of photocatalysis are diverse. In environmental remediation, photocatalytic materials are used to purify air and water by decomposing harmful organic compounds and killing microorganisms. They are incorporated into self-cleaning surfaces, paints, and coatings, where they can break down dirt and grime when exposed to sunlight. Photocatalysis also plays a role in energy production, particularly in the development of solar cells and hydrogen production through water splitting. Furthermore, it finds use in medical applications, such as antimicrobial surfaces and drug delivery systems. The efficiency of photocatalysis depends on factors like the type of photocatalyst, light intensity and wavelength, and the presence of co-catalysts or sensitizers.