Photocatalysis in technology and synthesis: past, present and future (6 CFU)
Prof. Davide Ravelli, e-mail: davide.ravelli@unipv.it
When: may-july
The course will focus on photocatalysis, with particular regards to the recent development of photocatalytic processes in different fields (ranging from technological applications to organic synthesis). Particular attention will be devoted to those processes occurring under visible light irradiation.
The introductory part of the course will offer the definition of the “photocatalysis” concept (both under homogeneous and heterogeneous conditions) and will be accompanied by the description of the key parameters that characterize photocatalytic processes. Subsequently, some historical notes will be presented, illustrating the first works in which the term “photocatalysis” was used, followed by an excursus about the fundamental steps that have marked the evolution of this discipline. A description of the different types of known photocatalysts will follow (including complexes based on transition metals, photoorganocatalysts, inorganic derivatives and semiconductor material slurries), with an overview on the typical reaction mechanisms associated with them.
The core part of the course will encompass the applications of the photocatalytic approach, such as the development of systems for the degradation of pollutants (e.g. treatment of waste-water containing active ingredients of drugs) or for artificial photosynthesis. Particular attention will also be devoted to the optimization of eco-sustainable synthetic procedures, with a focus on the preparation of bioactive molecules and their functionalization.
The last part of the course will be devoted to the description of hybrid techniques, where photocatalysis has been coupled with other approaches, both in a synthetic context (e.g. strategies based on “dual catalysis”, where a photocatalyst is used in combination with other catalytic systems, such as: organocatalysts, complexes based on transition metals and acid-base catalysts), and in technological applications (e.g. photoelectrochemical approaches for energy storage).
The final aim of the course is to provide the students with a complete overview of photocatalysis and its main applications, with a look at the future development potential of this family of processes.
Exam procedure: presentation on one of the topics covered during the course.