Photocatalytic water treatment: fundamental knowledge required for its practical application

Abstract

This review attempts to present a state-of-the art overview of the underlying principles of photocatalysis that should not be neglected when designing pilot-scale facilities. In particular, the roles and properties of the primary charge carriers generated upon bandgap illumination within a photocatalyst particle, i.e. valence band hole and conduction band electron, are discussed. The chemical nature of the primary oxidant is critically assessed.