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

"We believe this achievement marks a significant milestone in advancing iron-based photocatalysis."

From Science Daily • Feb. 27, 2026

"Our results show the potential of photocatalysis for the total synthesis of complex terpenes. This could pave the way for the development of new medications," concludes Baudoin.

From Science Daily • May 2, 2024

The process starts with adsorption, where the dye adheres to the surface of the nanofilament, and once illuminated undergoes photocatalysis.

From Science Daily • Oct. 10, 2023

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