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Photo-Catalysis
is defined as
"acceleration by the presence of as catalyst". A catalyst
does not change in itself or being consumed in the chemical reaction.
This definition includes photosensitization, a process by which
a photochemical alteration occurs in one molecular entity as a result of initial
absorption of
radiation by another molecular entity called the photosensitized.
Chlorophyll of plants is a type of photocatalyst. Photocatalysis compared to photosynthesis, in which chlorophyll captures sunlight to turn water and carbon dioxide into oxygen and glucose, photocatalysis creates strong oxidation agent to breakdown any organic matter to carbon dioxide and water in the presence of photocatalyst, light and water.
Titanium Dioxide structured in anatase form is the most common photocatalyst. It has the following advantage:
Titanium dioxide, also known as titania, is the naturally occurring oxide of titanium, chemical formula TiO2. Approved by the food testing laboratory of the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Titanium Dioxide is considered a safe substance and harmless to human. It is commonly used in paint, printing ink, plastics, paper, synthetic fibers, rubber, condensers, painting colors and crayons, ceramics, electronic components along with food and cosmetics. Many studies have been published on the use of titanium dioxide as a photocatalyst for the decomposition of organic compounds. After illuminated by light, titanium dioxide produces hydroxyl radicals, which react with the organic matters in the air to form non-toxic inorganic matters.
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