NEW MATERIALS FOR PHOTOCATALYTIC PURIFICATION OF AIR – A REVIEW

Abstract

Photocatalytic processes became to be used for water and air depollution. Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) as photocatalyst is activated by electromagnetic waves from UV-VIS range of spectrum and is used for degradation of some volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nasty smells removal. The quality of air, equally indoor and/or outdoor is a serious environmental problem. Different methods are used for improving the air quality and photocatalysis as an advanced oxidizing process, could be a promising solution. Using different techniques, new materials were developed by scientists from many countries, proving a real interest for these new environmental friendly technologies. This study presents last developments regarding new photocatalytic materials which have to work not only in UV (like pure titanium dioxide) but also in Visible range of electromagnetic spectrum. Also these new photocatalysts have to be able to oxidize different types of organic and/or inorganic molecules and diminishing the non-desiderated co-products from occurring reactions. To achieve new materials with superior photocatalytic properties there are used different procedures in order to combine and control the precursory components. The objective of the study was the understanding of the TiO2-photocatalysis phenomena including gaseous and adsorbed phase mechanisms. This review presents some achievements in domain.