Photocatalysis and related processes occupy a strategic position for the future of photochemistry. This volume provides an introduction to basic concepts and explains how applications work at the molecular level.

Ever since the oil crisis of 1973, researchers in various fields of chemistry have proposed various schemes to conserve energy, as well to convert the sun's abundant and limitless supply of energy to produce chemical fuels (e. g. , hydrogen from water, . •. ). The enthusiasm had no previous parallel in the mid-1970's. Unfortunately, despite the several good proposals, the results have proven - in retrospect - somewhat disappointing from an economic viable point of view. The reasons for the meagre results are manyfold not the least of which are the experimental difficulties encountered in storage systems. Moreover, the lack of a concerted, well orchestrated interdisciplinary approach has been significant. By contrast, the chemical advances made in the understanding of the processes involved in such schemes have been phenomenal. A recent book on this issue ( M. Gratzel, Energy Resources through Photochemistry and Catalysis, 1983) is witness to the various efforts and approaches taken by researchers. In the recent years, many more groups have joined in these efforts, and the number of papers in the lit~rature is staggering ! One of the motives for organizing this NATO Advanced Research Workshop stemmed from our view that it was time to take stock of the accomplishments and rather than propose new schemes, it was time to consider seriously avenues that are most promising.

Photocatalysis is a reaction which is accelerated by light while a heterogeneous reaction consists of two phases ( a solid and a liquid for example). Heterogeneous Photocatalysis is a fast developing science which to date has not been fully detailed in a monograph. This title discusses the basic principles of heterogeneous photocatalysis and describes the bulk and surface properties of semiconductors. Applications of various types of photoreactions are described and the problems related to the modeling and design of photoreactors are covered.

Photocatalysis, reactions carried out in the presence of a semiconductor and light, is rapidly becoming one of the most active areas of chemical research, with applications in areas such as electrochemistry, medicine, and environmental chemistry, Photocatalysis: Principles and Applications stresses the development of various types of photocatalytic semiconductors, including binary, ternary, quaternary, and composite, and their modifications by metallization, sensitization, and doping to enhance their photocatalytic activities. In addition to describing the principles and mechanisms of photocatalysis, it also discusses other possible applications of photocatalysis such as use as antifouling agents, controlling air pollution by degrading contaminants present in the environment, self-cleaning of glasses and tiles in the presence of light/artificial light, green composites, wastewater treatment, hydrogen generation, and inactivation of microorganisms. The book also describes medical applications and summarizes efforts in the field of photosplitting of water as a newer energy source and photoreduction of carbon dioxide for providing synthetic fuels and also a step towards mimicking photosynthesis. Introduces the basic principle of photocatalysis. Provides an overview of the types of semiconductors, their immobilization, and modifications to make them more active. Gives possible applications of photocatalysis in wastewater treatment and strategy to combat against different kinds of pollutions like water, air, and soil. Summarizes efforts in the field of photosplitting of water as a newer energy source and photoreduction of carbon dioxide for providing synthetic fuels and as a step towards mimicking photosynthesis. Discusses inactivation of different kinds of microorganisms. Covers medical applications. Features Introduces the basic principle of photocatalysis. Provides an overview of the types of semiconductors, their immobilization, and modifications to make them more active. Gives possible applications of photocatalysis in wastewater treatment and strategy to combat against different kinds of pollutions like water, air, and soil. Summarizes efforts in the field of photosplitting of water as a newer energy source and photoreduction of carbon dioxide for providing synthetic fuels and as a step towards mimicking photosynthesis. Discusses inactivation of different kinds of microorganisms. Covers medical applications.

Nanotechnology and Photocatalysis for Environmental Applications focuses on nanostructured control, synthesis methods, activity enhancement strategies, environmental applications, and perspectives of semiconductor-based nanostructures. The book offers future guidelines for designing new semiconductor-based photocatalysts, with low cost and high efficiency, for a range of products aimed at environmental protection. The book covers the fundamentals of nanotechnology, the synthesis of nanotechnology, and the use of metal oxide, metal sulfide, and carbon-based nanomaterials in photocatalysis. The book also discusses the major challenges of using photocatalytic nanomaterials on a broad scale. The book then explores how photocatalytic nanomaterials and nanocomposites are being used for sustainable development applications, including environmental protection, pharmaceuticals, and air purification. The final chapter considers the recent advances in the field and outlines future perspectives on the technology. This is an important reference for materials scientists, chemical engineers, energy scientists, and anyone looking to understand more about the photocatalytic potential of nanomaterials, and their possible environmental applications. - Explains why the properties of semiconductor-based nanomaterials make them particularly good for environmental applications - Explores how photocatalytic nanomaterials and nanocomposites are being used for sustainable development applications, including environmental protection, pharmaceuticals, and air purification - Discusses the major challenges of using photocatalytic nanomaterials on a broad scale

Photocatalysts in Advanced Oxidation Processes for Wastewater Treatment comprehensively covers a range of topics aiming to promote the implementation of photocatalysis at large scale through provision of facile and green methods for catalysts synthesis and elucidation of pollutants degradation mechanisms. This book is divided into two main parts namely “Synthesis of effective photocatalysts” (Part I) and “Mechanisms of the photocatalytic degradation of various pollutants” (Part II). The first part focuses on the exploration of various strategies to synthesize sustainable and effective photocatalysts. The second part of the book provides an insights into the photocatalytic degradation mechanisms and pathways under ultraviolet and visible light irradiation, as well as the challenges faced by this technology and its future prospects.

Photocatalysis: Fundamental Processes and Applications, Volume 32 in the Interface Science and Technology Series, discusses the fundamental aspects of photocatalysis and its process and applications to the decontamination of wastewater, hydrogen production via water splitting, and photo reduction of carbon dioxide to hydrocarbon. The book discusses the fundamental aspects of all applications together with their proper mechanisms, thus providing essential information for deep research in the area of clean environment and green energy production. - Provides background on the fundamental and experimental processes of photocatalysis - Covers photocatalysis and its impact on creating a clean environment and energy sources - Applies photocatalysis to the decontamination of wastewater, hydrogen production via water splitting, and photo reduction of carbon dioxide to hydrocarbon - Edited by a world-leading researcher in interface science