About this Research Topic
Photocatalysis consists on the modification of the reaction rate of a process in the presence of light and of a so-called photocatalyst. Many applications as water treatment, disinfection, VOCs and NOx elimination, H2 production or CO2 conversion have been developed, approaching in some cases a commercial scale. Both homogenous and heterogeneous photocatalysis have been developed, and different light sources ranging from UV to solar have been applied. The implementation of photocatalysis under room temperature and pressure, and the possibility of using sun light to activate the catalyst makes it very interesting for low cost and low impact applications, and with the possibility of use under passive conditions. Contrary to conventional catalysis, there are not active sites in a photocatalysts in the traditional sense, and exposure or intensity of irradiated light are also rate determining factors.
Photocatalysis is a growing technology with a high versatility, it can be developed at room pressure and temperature and with renewable energy sources. A great research effort has been done in the last years in order to develop more efficient photocatalytic systems, and some applications are already available at the commercial scale. However, the design of a reactor where these processes take place is still challenging, since not only the phase contact, turbulence or mixing are important issues (as in conventional reactors) but the interaction of light, either solar or artificial, adds a new aspect to integrate in the equipment. Another application for photocatalysis is in constructive elements or coatings, where investigations into the surface properties or active phase anchoring are still underway.
This Research Topic is intended to cover new advances in the development of photocatalytic systems with a clear scope in the final application. Studies dealing with apparatus design, light interaction, active phase anchoring or toxicity during and post-application are especially welcome.
Original Research or Review articles dealing with photocatalytic reactors or surfaces are welcome. Some specific topics are listed below:
• Design of novel configurations of photocatalytic reactors
• Modelling and simulation of photocatalytic reactors
• Heat integration and reactor intensification
• Photocatalysis in concrete, facades and other constructive materials
• Coatings, paintings and indoor air purification
• Scale up, toxicity, testing methods and commercial applications.
Articles must show conceptual advances or novel insights into photocatalytic processes or demonstrate a correlation between synthesis, structure and performance of photocatalytic systems
Photocatalysis is a growing technology with a high versatility, it can be developed at room pressure and temperature and with renewable energy sources. A great research effort has been done in the last years in order to develop more efficient photocatalytic systems, and some applications are already available at the commercial scale. However, the design of a reactor where these processes take place is still challenging, since not only the phase contact, turbulence or mixing are important issues (as in conventional reactors) but the interaction of light, either solar or artificial, adds a new aspect to integrate in the equipment. Another application for photocatalysis is in constructive elements or coatings, where investigations into the surface properties or active phase anchoring are still underway.
This Research Topic is intended to cover new advances in the development of photocatalytic systems with a clear scope in the final application. Studies dealing with apparatus design, light interaction, active phase anchoring or toxicity during and post-application are especially welcome.
Original Research or Review articles dealing with photocatalytic reactors or surfaces are welcome. Some specific topics are listed below:
• Design of novel configurations of photocatalytic reactors
• Modelling and simulation of photocatalytic reactors
• Heat integration and reactor intensification
• Photocatalysis in concrete, facades and other constructive materials
• Coatings, paintings and indoor air purification
• Scale up, toxicity, testing methods and commercial applications.
Articles must show conceptual advances or novel insights into photocatalytic processes or demonstrate a correlation between synthesis, structure and performance of photocatalytic systems
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
