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Glite Dictionary
photocatalysis

photocatalysis

1 8.8
A chemical reaction that light and a material that helps reactions happen faster
  • noun
  • /ˌfoʊtoʊkəˈtælɪsɪs/
  • Specialized
: fotocatalisis
  • Did you know that photocatalysis can purify air and water?

Examples

  • The process of photocatalysis can help create cleaner energy sources.

  • Scientists use photocatalysis to break down pollutants in water using sunlight.

  • Recent advances in photocatalysis have improved the efficiency of solar-powered chemical reactions.

  • The process of photocatalysis is essential for breaking down pollutants.

  • The team is developing new materials to enhance photocatalysis for environmental applications.

  • Using sunlight to promote photocatalysis, scientists can break down harmful pollutants in water.

  • The efficiency of photocatalysis can significantly reduce energy costs in chemical manufacturing.

Surface Forms

photocatalysis singular
photocatalyses plural

Morphology

photocatalysis = catalysis (semi-transparent) = photo + catalysis

The word is built in a straightforward way from the scientific prefix 'photo-' and the base 'catalysis', but the meaning is specialized rather than everyday.

Etymology

The word photocatalysis comes from photo- meaning 'light', as in photograph, and catalysis from catalyst, meaning 'something that makes a chemical reaction go faster'. So, photocatalysis is when light helps a catalyst speed up a chemical reaction, which is why sunlight can help break down pollutants.