Characterizing nanoparticles reactivity: Structure-photocatalytic activity relationship

Abstract

Nanoparticles are reactive, and their final interactions with the surrounding media are ultimately determined by their reactivity, which in turns depends on the nanoparticles morphology, surface chemistry and environment in which they are embedded. One simple and informative approach for the study of the reactivity of nanoparticles is the determination of their photocatalytic activity. In the present work, we briefly summarize the importance of different parameters such as the size, shape and agglomeration state on the photocatalytic activity of colloidal inorganic nanoparticles. The study of the use of nanoparticles as photocatalyts is relevant not only for its potential applications in environmental remediation issues but also it can provide relevant information about the role of these parameters at the nanoscale. © IOP Publishing Ltd 2013.