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  • Tue. Nov 5th, 2024
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Researchers at IISER Bhopal recently developed a new photocatalyst called UC-POP-Au, which absorbs the entire spectrum of light, making it a potent catalyst for chemical processes.

About Photocatalyst:

  • The term photocatalyst is a combination of two words: photo, related to photon, and catalyst, which is a substance altering the reaction rate in its presence.
  • Therefore, photocatalysts are materials that change the rate of a chemical reaction upon exposure to light. This phenomenon is known as photocatalysis. 
  • The illumination of the catalyst causes the generation of free charges (electrons and holes) that can participate in chemical reactions, altering the reaction rate. 
  • Photocatalysis includes reactions that take place by utilising light and a semiconductor. All the photocatalysts are basically semiconductors.
  • There are various materials that show photocatalytic capability, and titanium dioxide (TiO2) is said to be the most effective.
  • The photocatalytic reactions can be categorised into two types based on the appearance of the physical state of the reactants.
    • Homogeneous photocatalysis: When both the semiconductor and reactant are in the same phase, e. gas, solid, or liquid.
    • Heterogeneous photocatalysis: When both the semiconductor and reactant are in different phases.
  • It is valuable for applications like air and water purification, self-cleaning surfaces, and even in some aspects of solar energy conversion.

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