Photocatalysis in Chemical Reactions: A Step Toward Green Chemistry<br />By: Eng. Abdullah Marza Hamza<br /><br />Sustainable Development Goals:<br /> Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure<br /> Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production<br /> Goal 13: Climate Action<br /><br />Photocatalysis is a process that uses light energy—usually from the sun or UV sources—to accelerate chemical reactions in the presence of a catalyst. This innovative technique plays a crucial role in advancing green chemistry, offering cleaner and more energy-efficient alternatives to conventional reaction methods.<br /><br />In chemical industries, many traditional processes depend on high temperatures, high pressures, or toxic reagents. Photocatalysis, in contrast, often operates under mild conditions, minimizing the need for fossil-fuel-based energy inputs and reducing harmful byproducts. This aligns well with efforts to reduce industrial emissions and adopt more sustainable production pathways.<br /><br />Materials like titanium dioxide (TiO₂), zinc oxide, and metal-organic frameworks are commonly used as photocatalysts. These materials absorb light and generate reactive electron-hole pairs that drive redox reactions. Applications of photocatalysis range from water purification and air treatment to hydrogen production and environmental remediation.<br /><br />In recent years, advances in nanotechnology have significantly improved the efficiency of photocatalytic materials by increasing their surface area, stability, and light absorption range. These developments make photocatalysis not only feasible at the lab scale but also promising for industrial adoption.<br /><br />Photocatalytic systems support the Sustainable Development Goals by lowering environmental impacts, conserving resources, and enabling cleaner production methods. As research continues, this technology may become a foundation for future chemical manufacturing practices.<br /><br />Al-Mustaqbal University – The No. 1 Private University in Iraq