Basics and advanced developments in photocatalysis – a review (Mini review)

Abstract

Intensive research work has been carried out for the degradation of organic pollutants present in the environment using the metal oxide semiconductors. For the same, TiO2, ZnO semiconductor photocatalysts has been widely used, but the main drawback of these materials is able to utilize the UV spectrum only, due to its high band gap property. Since solar spectrum contain a significant proportion of the visible light, it is imperative that for an active and versatile utilization of the incident solar energy. The visible light active photocatalysts with a relatively smaller band gap are developed. However, smaller band gap often results in rapid recombination and conversion of photonic energy into non-usable heat. The main aim of this review is provide different ways for utilization of solar spectrum using different catalyst with relatively smaller band gap.