Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A-chemistry 

Abstract: The interest in heterogeneous photocatalysis is intense and increasing, as shown by the number of publications on this theme which regularly appear in this journal, and the fact that over 2000 papers have been published on this topic since 1981. This article is an overview of the field of semiconductor photocatalysis : a brief examination of its roots, achievements and possible future. The semiconductor titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) features predominantly in past and present work on semiconductor photocatalysis; as a result, in the most of the examples selected in this overview to illustrate various points the semiconductor is TiO 2 .

Abstract: The dye-sensitized solar cell (DSC) provides a technically and economically credible alternative concept to present day p–n junction photovoltaic devices. In contrast to the conventional silicon systems, where the semiconductor assumes both the task of light absorption and charge carrier transport the two functions are separated here. Light is absorbed by a sensitizer, which is anchored to the surface of a wide band gap oxide semiconductor. Charge separation takes place at the interface via photo-induced electron injection from the dye into the conduction band of the solid. Carriers are transported in the conduction band of the semiconductor to the charge collector. The use of sensitizers having a broad absorption band in conjunction with oxide films of nanocrystalline morphology permits to harvest a large fraction of sunlight. Nearly quantitative conversion of incident photon into electric current is achieved over a large spectral range extending from the UV to the near IR region. Overall solar (standard AM 1.5) to current conversion efficiencies of 10.6% have been reached. New electrolytes based on ionic liquids have been developed that show excellent stability both under prolonged light soaking and high temperature stress. There are good prospects to produce these cells at lower cost than conventional devices. Here we present the current state of the field, and discuss the importance of mastering the interface of the mesoporous films by assisting the self-assembly of the sensitizer at the surface of the oxide nanocrystals.

Abstract: The degradation of acid red 14 (AR14), commonly used as a textile dye, can be photocatalysed by ZnO. Using advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), zinc oxide appears to be a suitable alternative to TiO2 for water treatment. In this study, a detailed investigation of photocatalytic degradation of acid red 14 is presented. Photodegradation efficiency was small when the photolysis was carried out in the absence of ZnO and it was also negligible in the absence of UV light. The semi-log plot of dye concentration versus time was linear, suggesting first order reaction (K=0.0548 min−1). The effects of some parameters such as pH, amount of photocatalyst, hydrogen peroxide and ethanol concentration were also examined. The addition of proper amount of hydrogen peroxide improved the decolorization, while the excess hydrogen peroxide could quenched the formation of hydroxyl radicals ( OH). As our results indicated that ethanol inhibited the photodegradation of dye, we concluded from the inhibitive effect of ethanol that hydroxyl radicals played a significant role in the photodegradation of dye. This should not undermine direct oxidation caused by positive holes.

Abstract: It has long been known that the photolysis of nitrite and nitrate solutions results in the formation of OH radicals. The mechanism of NO3− photolysis has been the subject of considerable controversy in the literature, however. This review summarizes the experimental work on NO2− and NO3− photolysis in the context of recent advances in the understanding of the chemistry of the peroxynitrite anion (ONOO−) in biological experiments. ONOO− has been found to play a far more significant role in the overall reaction mechanism of NO3− photolysis than had previously been suspected. Research on NO2− and NO3− photolysis, as a pathway to the destruction of organic contaminants in natural waters, is summarized. The possible impact of NO2− and NO3− on Advanced Oxidation Technologies (AOTs), in which OH radicals are used to initiate the destruction of hazardous organic pollutants in drinking water and industrial waste streams, is explored.

Abstract: Acid Red 14 (AR14), commonly used as a textile dye, could be photocatalytically degraded using TiO 2 suspensions irradiated by a UV-C lamp (30 W). The experiments showed that TiO 2 and UV light had a negligible effect when they were used on their own. The semi-log plot of dye concentration versus time was linear, suggesting first order reaction ( K =1.41×10 −2 min −1 ). The effects of some parameters such as pH, the amount of TiO 2 and initial dye concentration were also examined. The photodegradation of AR14 was enhanced by the addition of proper amount of hydrogen peroxide, but it was inhibited by ethanol. From the inhibitive effect of ethanol it was deducted that hydroxyl radicals played a significant role in the photodegradation of dye, but a direct oxidation by positive holes was probably not negligible. Accordingly, it could be stated that the complete removal of color, after selecting optimal operational parameters could be achieved in a relatively short time, about 3.5 h.