Photochemical Processes and Photocatalysis
A.Y. 2021/2022
Learning objectives
The course aims at understanding of the production of excited electronic states and photochemical and photophysical processes. Information on photo-induced process techniques will be given. Understanding of the development of photochemical processes occurring in nature, the principles of photoproduction and photostabilization of polymers, as well as the principles and potential of photo(electro)catalysis: all these topics will be treated.
Expected learning outcomes
Students will master the concepts of light-matter interaction, the properties of excited electronic states and the principles and applications of photo-induced processes.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
The lectures will be recorded and made available to student on the Ariel site of the course.
Course syllabus
Radiation absorption, production and properties of electronic excited states (lifetime, energy, geometry and acid-base properties).
Photophysical and photochemical deactivation paths, kinetics of excited states quenching, excimers and exciplexes. Kinetics and mechanism of photochemical reactions. Photoactivity of selected chromophores.
Experimental techniques: design of photochemical reactors, light sources, lasers, luminescence spectroscopy, time-resolved transient absorption and emission spectroscopies.
The photochemistry of the atmosphere and of the stratosphere, the photochemical smog. The energetic aspects of natural photosynthesis.
Photocatalysis and other photochemical processes and applications: i) Photoelectrochemical processes on semiconductors, photocatalysis for solar energy conversion and for the degradation of water and air pollutants; ii) Photopolymerization, photoinitiators and mechanism, photoinduced degradation and stabilization of polymers; iii) Photoimaging; iv) Photochromism; v) Photochemical syntheses in industry; vi) Optical brighteners; vii) Photomedicine.
Photophysical and photochemical deactivation paths, kinetics of excited states quenching, excimers and exciplexes. Kinetics and mechanism of photochemical reactions. Photoactivity of selected chromophores.
Experimental techniques: design of photochemical reactors, light sources, lasers, luminescence spectroscopy, time-resolved transient absorption and emission spectroscopies.
The photochemistry of the atmosphere and of the stratosphere, the photochemical smog. The energetic aspects of natural photosynthesis.
Photocatalysis and other photochemical processes and applications: i) Photoelectrochemical processes on semiconductors, photocatalysis for solar energy conversion and for the degradation of water and air pollutants; ii) Photopolymerization, photoinitiators and mechanism, photoinduced degradation and stabilization of polymers; iii) Photoimaging; iv) Photochromism; v) Photochemical syntheses in industry; vi) Optical brighteners; vii) Photomedicine.
Prerequisites for admission
Knowledge acquired in Physical Chemistry I and Physical Chemistry II of the Bachelor degrees in Chemistry or Industrial Chemistry.
Teaching methods
Recorded lectures with the aid of projections. If possible, a short activity in the lab is also foreseen.
Teaching Resources
A. Gilbert, J. Baggott, Essentials of Molecular Photochemistry, Blackwell, 1991.
R.P. Wayne, Principles and Applications of Photochemistry, Oxford University Press, 1988.
R.P. Wayne, Principles and Applications of Photochemistry, Oxford University Press, 1988.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam will consist in an interview aimed at testing the skills acquired by the student on the subjects presented in the lectures.
CHIM/02 - PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 48 hours
Professor:
Selli Elena