photocatalysis
Illumination-accelerated reactions
Photocatalysis is a chemical reaction accelerated by light acting on a catalyst—typically a semiconductor material like titanium dioxide.
When light hits the catalyst, it triggers reactions that can break down pollutants, purify water, or generate hydrogen fuel.
The process underlies self-cleaning surfaces and some air purification systems: Photocatalysis allows the coating to decompose organic grime when exposed to sunlight.
Environmental harm from waste
- degradationDecline in condition
- remediationAct of correcting faults
- wastewaterContaminated drainage from buildings
- air purificationCleansing breathable atmosphere
water treatment · contaminants · toxins · decomposition · oxidation · mineralization · disinfection · self-cleaning
Decomposing H2O into elements
- air purifierMachine filtering indoor atmosphere
- solar cellLight-to-current converter
- energy conversionChanging power between forms
- fuel cellElectrochemical power converter
White inorganic pigment compound
- zinc oxideInorganic UV-blocking compound
- semiconductorsPartially conductive materials
- nanoparticlesUltrafine material fragments
- quantum dotsNanoscale semiconductors with size-dependent properties
doping · composite · thin film · coating · substrate · surface area · nanotubes · graphene
Matter capturing radiant energy
- redox reactionPaired electron transfer process
- superoxideCharged oxygen radical
- excitationStimulation of response
- recombinationGenetic material exchange process
pollution
Environmental harm from waste
- degradationDecline in condition
- remediationAct of correcting faults
- wastewaterContaminated drainage from buildings
air purification · water treatment · contaminants · toxins · decomposition · oxidation · mineralization · disinfection · self-cleaning · antimicrobial
water splitting
Decomposing H2O into elements
- air purifierMachine filtering indoor atmosphere
- solar cellLight-to-current converter
- energy conversionChanging power between forms
titanium dioxide
White inorganic pigment compound
- zinc oxideInorganic UV-blocking compound
- semiconductorsPartially conductive materials
- nanoparticlesUltrafine material fragments
quantum dots · doping · composite · thin film · coating · substrate · surface area · nanotubes · graphene
light absorption
Matter capturing radiant energy
- redox reactionPaired electron transfer process
- superoxideCharged oxygen radical
- excitationStimulation of response
photo, catalyst, catalyze, catalytic, catalysis, catalyzed, catalyzing, photosynthesis, photosynthetic