KFC/FF Photochemistry and Photoelectrochemistry

Lecturer: Dana Nachtigallová
Lecture: 2 hours/week + seminar 1 hour/week
Credits: 3
Winter semester
Form of course completion: course credit, exam

It describes the chemical changes initiated by excitation as well as the production of exited states thanks to chemical reactions. Although the reaction mechanisms of particular photochemical reactions are dealt with, much more attention is given to the general theoretical grounds of photochemistry and the physical-chemical methods for studying the photochemical processes. It also includes selected parts of the chemistry of free radicals, those of oxygen, in particular. Natural photochemical processes are also mentioned, as well as a number of applications in technological practice and photodynamic effect (application in medicine). The electrochemical part deals with the excitation theory of semiconductor electrodes and their newer applications, e.g. Grätzel cells.

• Production and deactivation of excited states.
• Electron excitation energy transfers and quenching.
• Theory of photochemical reactions.
• Experimental methods of photochemistry, radiation sources, reactors, flash photolysis.
• Mechanisms of photochemical reactions.
• Reactive oxygen forms and their reactivity, singlet oxygen, superoxide, peroxide and hydroxyl radicals.
• Chemiluminiscence, theory, mechanisms and use of chemiluminiscence reactions.
• Photochemistry without light.
• Photochemical processes in technical practice, photographic and photolithographic procedures.
• Medical and environmental aspects of photochemistry, photosynthesis, degradation of polymers.
• Semiconductor electrodes-types, properties and photoexcitation of semiconductor electrodes.
• Photoelectrochemical processes-water splitting, Grätzel cells.
• Electrogenerated chemiluminiscence-use in physical and analytical practice.