An overview of environmental remediation using photocatalyst

Abstract

In recent years a lot of emphasis has been placed on the role of photocatalytic oxidation in environmental remediation. In the presence of appropriate photocatalysts, harmful organic and inorganic compounds can be degraded and mineralized. The introduction of nanoparticulate photocatalysts has tremendously enhanced the catalytic efficiency of specific materials. In this chapter, the different synthetic techniques for generation of nanoparticulate photocatalysts have been discussed. An attempt has been made to explain the mechanism of photocatalysis. The different photocatalyst materials available and their suitability for various environmental remediation purposes have also been highlighted.