Surface science studies of the photoactivation of TiO2-new photochemical processes

This review has selectively dealt with a number of topics having to do with the photoexcitation of TiO2, emphasizing recent measurements and theory that are based on modern methods of investigation. In most cases, we have connected what has been discovered by physical measurement of the photoexcitation of TiO2 to its photochemical behavior. At the present time, we are just entering a stage of understanding the photoexcitation of TiO2 which is beginning to connect to well-known principles of semiconductor physics, based on modern theory and modern surface science experiments at the atomic level of resolution. It is apparent that rather amazing technological developments using the photoexcitation of TiO2 have moved far beyond our basic understanding of the electronic and chemical processes which occur when TiO2 is excited by light. It is likely that the rapid growth of research on this topic will continue as new TiO2-based technologies stimulate the field. © 2006 American Chemical Society.