Supramolecular photochemistry in zeolites:: From catalysts to sunscreens

Zeolites are nanoporous, crystalline aluminosilicate materials comprised of a series of strictly uniform channels and cavities repeating along the tri-directional structure of the lattice. Over the last 30 years, researchers have increasingly recognized the desirable properties of these materials as hosts for photochemical reactions. This review will endeavor to draw attention to the properties of zeolite materials that make them appealing substrates for hosting guest molecules during photochemical reactions. An overview of some classical examples in zeolite host-guest photochemistry will be presented along with a brief description of a new use for zeolite materials as protective encapsulators.