Q.10. Which from following nanoparticle catalysts is used in photocatalysis?
A. TiO2
B. Pd
C. Pt
D. Au
Answer :- A. TiO2
Explanation :-
Among the options provided, Option A TiO2 (titanium dioxide) is commonly used as a nanoparticle catalyst in photocatalysis. Titanium dioxide is a well-known photocatalyst due to its strong oxidizing power, high photocatalytic efficiency, chemical stability, non-toxicity, and low cost. When it is irradiated with light at or above its band-gap energy (usually UV light), it can create electron-hole pairs, leading to the formation of reactive oxygen species capable of breaking down organic pollutants and disinfecting water.
While Options B (Pd, palladium), C (Pt, platinum), and D (Au, gold) can all be used as catalysts in various chemical reactions, they are not typically used for photocatalysis in the same way that TiO2 is. These noble metals are more commonly associated with applications in oxidation, hydrogenation reactions, and as catalysts in fuel cells where they facilitate redox reactions without necessarily utilizing light as a reagent.