Revisão bibliográfica: processos de síntese e a eficiência de materiais fotocatalícos

Abstract

Photocatalysis is one of the properties of semiconductors due to their ability to excite electrons from the valence band to the conduction band when exposed to an energy source, such as sunlight. This work discusses the photocatalytic property of semiconductors and the technological advancements in synthesis processes. The synthesis techniques studied were the sol-gel method, microwave-assisted hydrothermal method, sonochemical method, and electrospinning. In a clear and objective manner, this study analyzed the capacity of these semiconductors to degrade substances such as dyes and various pharmaceutical compounds when exposed to UV-Vis light. The analyzed articles demonstrated photocatalytic performance consistent with the targeted materials. The dyes methylene blue, methyl orange, and rhodamine B were examined, along with the degradation of polystyrene derivatives and the active ingredient in paracetamol, among other compounds. The results revealed high efficiency, with a photocatalytic degradation rate of 100% for paracetamol and 88% for carbamazepine, the latter being a drug used in epilepsy treatment.