Overview
Photocatalysts are substances that accelerate chemical reactions when exposed to light, typically ultraviolet or visible light. The most widely used photocatalyst is titanium dioxide (TiO2), which exhibits strong oxidative properties under light irradiation. This technology mimics natural photosynthesis and is valued for its ability to break down organic pollutants, bacteria, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Photocatalysis was first observed in the 1960s, but gained industrial significance in the 1990s with advancements in nanotechnology. Today, photocatalysts are engineered at the nanoscale to maximize surface area and reactivity, making them highly effective for environmental and industrial applications.
Physical and Chemical Properties
Titanium dioxide, the most common photocatalyst, exists in three crystalline forms: anatase, rutile, and brookite. Anatase is the most photocatalytically active due to its electronic band structure. When exposed to light with energy equal to or greater than its bandgap (3.2 eV for anatase), TiO2 generates electron-hole pairs that drive redox reactions. Key properties include high chemical stability, non-toxicity, and resistance to photocorrosion. The photocatalytic activity depends on factors like crystal structure, particle size (nanoparticles show higher activity), and surface modifications. TiO2 is insoluble in water and most organic solvents, making it suitable for aqueous and non-aqueous applications.
Main Applications
Photocatalysts are extensively used in air purification systems to decompose airborne pollutants like NOx, SOx, and VOCs. They're incorporated into building materials, paints, and coatings to create self-cleaning surfaces that break down organic dirt and prevent microbial growth. In water treatment, photocatalysts degrade organic pollutants and disinfect water by destroying pathogens. Other applications include anti-fogging coatings for mirrors and windows, medical sterilization, and even self-sterilizing surgical instruments. Emerging uses include hydrogen production through water splitting and CO2 reduction to fuels.
Safety and Storage
While bulk TiO2 is generally recognized as safe, nanoparticle forms require careful handling to prevent inhalation exposure, which may pose respiratory risks. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) including masks and gloves should be used when handling powdered forms. Storage should be in airtight containers away from moisture and direct sunlight to maintain catalytic activity. Temperature should be kept below 30°C. Photocatalytic coatings should be applied in well-ventilated areas, and cured products are typically inert and safe for public use.
B2B Procurement Guide
When procuring photocatalysts, verify the material's photocatalytic activity through standardized tests like ISO 22197 for air purification performance. Key specifications include crystal phase composition (preferably >80% anatase), particle size distribution (typically 5-50nm for high activity), and surface area (20-100 m²/g). Consider the intended application: coatings may require different formulations than water treatment products. Request certificates of analysis and material safety data sheets. For large orders, ask for batch testing data. Reliable suppliers should provide technical support for application optimization. Prices vary significantly based on purity, particle size, and surface modifications.
Related Manufacturers
- 主营：钛白粉、二氧化钛、异氟尔酮、荧光增白剂、油酸酰胺、二辛酯、二丁酯、片碱、草酸、丙三醇、异丙醇、氨水、乙酸乙酯、氧化铁绿、氧化铁红、硬脂酸、马林酸树脂、二甲基硅油、钙粉、甘油、次氯酸钠、辛醇、乙醇、甲醇、甲基硅油
- 主营：防螨助剂、树脂油墨稀释剂
- 主营：氮氧化合物监测、烟气在线监测、餐饮油烟监测、臭氧消除剂、VOCs监测、餐饮油烟净化器、VOCs处理设备、工业油雾净化设备、大气治理材料、除尘设备、废气处理设备、智慧环保在线系统、餐饮油烟除味设备、恶臭与异味处理设备、废气治理解决方案
- 主营：纸盒胶水、纸塑胶水、抗涂鸦涂层、膨胀剂、胶黏剂、消除剂、清除剂、消泡剂、粘合剂、减水剂、液体引气剂、甲醛灭除剂、砂浆悬浮剂、水泥悬浮剂、粉体引气剂、甲醛吸附剂、粉末引气剂、甲醛捕捉剂、石膏缓凝剂、砂浆引气剂、混凝土引气剂、蛋糕盒胶水、甲醛净化包、卷烟专用胶水、蛋糕底盒胶水
- 主营：硅化铈、磁制冷、铝合金、抛光粉、耐热剂、催化剂、变质剂、点火器、氧化铈、氮化铈、镝靶材、金属棒、镍合金、铜合金、氮化钕、氧化镧、急救包、镝颗粒、稀土gd粉、稀土yb粉、五硅化三、闪烁晶体、金属颗粒、金属镧粉、结构材料
- 主营：臭氧催化剂、臭氧催化填料
- 主营：氧化铝、氧化铁、氧化镁、氧化镧、氧化锆、纳米银、氧化锌、绝缘涂料、造纸工业、二氧化钛、涂料纺织、电子辐射、陶瓷研磨、氮化硅陶瓷、纳米氧化钛、其它氧化物、涂料耐磨粉、细粒径粉末、氧化铈溶液、抗辐射材料、二氧化硅粉、磷酸锆载银、纳米氧化铜、纳米氧化铈、纳米氧化硅
- 主营：乳化剂、消泡剂、分散剂、润湿剂、增稠剂、抗氧剂、杀菌防腐防霉剂、二氧化硅、树脂、uv单体
- 主营：保温装饰一体板、岩棉板、挤塑板、脱硝剂、抑尘剂、脱硫剂、杀菌灭藻剂、缓蚀阻垢剂、除垢剂、臭味剂、低温脱硝剂、水处理药剂、固体脱硝剂、橡塑管、橡塑板、硅酸铝针刺毯、玻璃棉、玻璃棉板、玻璃棉管、玻璃棉卷毡、离心玻璃棉板、外墙岩棉保温板、柔性防火包裹、硅酸铝纤维毡
- 主营：乳化剂、分散剂、防水防油剂、二氧化硅
- 主营：氧化铝、纳米二氧化钛、纳米氧化锆、光触媒、抛光粉、抗菌剂、陶瓷粘合剂、纳米除醛剂、装修除味剂、光催化微珠、光催化涂料、光催化陶瓷滤网、氧化硅、纳米氧化铈、纳米ato粉、纳米银粉、纳米氧化钕、纳米氧化镁、纳米氧化铁、纳米氧化铜、纳米氧化锌、纳米氧化锰、纳米氧化镍、隔热涂料、羟基发生器
- 主营：甘氨酸、水苏糖、硫酸锌、阻燃剂、增塑剂、硫酸锆、硫酸锂、硫酸锶、硫酸锰、铝酸锌、1680-21-3、牛磺酸、褪黑素、磷酸铁、丙酸铵、苏云金、碳酸镁、麝香酮、肉桂醛、磷酸铝、王浆酸、椰油胺、赖氨酸、浸膏粉、乙氧基
- 主营：纳米二氧化钛光触媒粉、氧化铬绿
- 主营：不锈钢酸洗钝化液、防冻液、磷化液、工业清洗剂、水垢清洗剂、消泡剂、缓蚀剂、缓蚀阻垢剂、锅炉除垢剂、铜材抛光液、杀菌灭藻剂、除氧剂、预膜剂、防锈剂、切削液
- 主营：光触媒净化原液、防尘去静电、抗菌