photocatalysis

American  

[foh-toh-kuh-tal-i-sis] / ˌfoʊ toʊ kəˈtæl ɪ sɪs /

noun

Chemistry.

plural

photocatalyses

1. the acceleration or retardation of the reaction rate in chemical reactions by light.

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photocatalysis British  

/ ˌfəʊtəʊkəˈtælɪsɪs /

noun

1. the alteration of the rate of a chemical reaction by light or other electromagnetic radiation

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Other Word Forms

• photocatalytic adjective

Etymology

Origin of photocatalysis

First recorded in 1910–15; photo- + catalysis

Example Sentences

"By harnessing the potential of plasmonic photocatalysis, we're paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future."

From Science Daily • Mar. 5, 2024

The MOFs in this experiment rely on photocatalysis.

From Science Daily • Mar. 5, 2024

The Halas group has been developing aluminum nanoparticles for plasmonic photocatalysis reactions such as decomposition of dangerous chemical warfare agents and efficient production of commodity chemicals.

From Science Daily • Mar. 5, 2024

As the microrobots adhere to plastic, photocatalysis also produces charged molecules.

From Scientific American • Sep. 14, 2021

Orlov and Raff have both published papers showing that as part of the chemical process that occurs during photocatalysis, dangerous molecules can be temporarily created.

From Newsweek