Advances in Photocatalytic Ceramic Materials for Energy and Environmental Applications

Photocatalysis is a light-enhanced catalytic process that can facilitate chemical reactions. Such chemical reactions are often used for energy harvesting and environmental remediation. Many ceramic materials are used as photocatalysts. Classically, metal oxides like TiO 2 and ZnO have been considered as photocatalysts. With the advancement of ceramic engineering and material science, many more materials, including nano-materials and nonmetallic compounds, have been added to the class of photocatalytic ceramic materials. Techniques of synthesis, characterization, and applications have also developed. This chapter summarizes the types, modes of synthesis, characterization, and applications of advanced photocatalytic ceramic materials.