Unravelling the mysteries of gas phase photocatalytic reaction pathways by studying the catalyst surface: A literature review of different Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic reaction cells used in the field

Unlike the profound knowledge of the reaction mechanisms occurring in water phase photocatalysis, still fairly little is known on the reaction mechanisms occurring on the catalyst surface when dealing with gaseous pollutants. Unfortunately, there are some differences between both reactions. For one, there are no abundant hydroxyl radicals present in the gas phase, so that possibly other species prove to be important in abating the pollutant. In order to unravel the mysteries of gas phase photocatalytic reaction pathways, in situ techniques must be used to allow the detection and identification of reaction intermediates on a working catalyst. Several techniques were already used in the past, of which Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy seems to be the most versatile. This review will therefore give a selective overview of different spectroscopic reaction cells constructed for the in situ study of photocatalytic gas phase reactions.

► Reaction cells used for elucidating photocatalytic reaction mechanisms are reviewed.
► Focus has been laid on gas phase photocatalysis.
► Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy as detection technology.