Heterogeneous Photocatalysis and Catalysis: An Overview of Their Distinctive Features

Abstract General definitions of heterogeneous catalysis and photocatalysis are reported together with parameters to assess the catalytic and photocatalytic performances. Some features of catalytic and photocatalytic reactions, the importance of amorphous and crystalline phases of the solid photocatalysts, and reactors and photoreactors with the most important kinetic aspects are presented.