NANOSIZED POWDERS AS REINFORCEMENT FOR PHOTOACTIVE COMPOSITES (OVERVIEW)

Abstract

Composite photocatalysts based on TiO₂ are studied. They make it possible to increase the efficiency of processes for water and air purification to remove toxic or-ganic impurities and to synthesize hydrogen by photolysis of water and reduction of CO₂ to methane and its homologues. These processes are of huge scientific and practical interest because they are aimed at solving global energy conservation problems. The latest achievements in the techniques for producing composites based on a polymer matrix of various natures and oxide nanosized particles are demonstrated. The properties of these materials and their potential applications are described. An alternative option is considered, such as modification of nanosized particles by substances of different natures, aimed at improving the photocatalytic properties of TiO₂ and shifting the absorption spectrum into the visible radiation region. The positive and negative effects impurities introduced into the TiO₂ structure, which influence the photocatalytic activity, are presented. The study of various additives influencing the TiO₂ optical and photocatalytic properties is among the priority areas in modern photochemistry.