This book provides a comprehensive overview of the chemistry of CO2 in relation to surface interactions and photocatalytic transformation by UV radiation. The first part deals with the modelling of an anatase surface, its interaction with CO2, and the spontaneous exchange of oxygen atoms between the gas and solid phases. The book then naturally transitions to the photocatalytic reduction of CO2, achieved by adding UV radiation and traces of water to the experimental system, to produce methane and CO. This photocatalytic reduction is explained in detail and the implications for planetary chemistry (specifically concerning Mars), as well as Earth's atmospheric chemistry and global warming, are discussed.
About the Author:
Svatopluk Civis pursued his doctoral studies (CSc.) at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. In 2010 he became a professor of experimental physics at the Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering at the Czech Technical University in Prague. For over 15 years, he was the head of the Department of Chemical Physics and the Department of Spectroscopy at the J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i. His research focuses on the application of spectroscopy in different fields of physics and chemistry. Svatopluk Civis is the author of more than 170 papers with over 1700 citations and a frequent speaker (over 50 invited talks) at international conferences.
Martin Ferus is a Czech physical chemist engaged in research and popularization of spectroscopy, astrochemistry and plasma chemistry. He has been awarded the Otto Wichterle Prize (2016), the Prize of the Learned Society of the Czech Republic (2016) and the Prize for Young Scientists (2015) for his work on the study of the chemical effects of the impact of extraterrestrial bodies into the atmospheres and on the surfaces of planets and the related synthesis of the basic biomolecules.
Antonín Knízek defended his master thesis at Charles University, Prague, Faculty of Sciences, Department of Physical and Macromolecular Chemistry. He is currently working as a researcher at the Department of Spectroscopy at the J. Heyrovský Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences, v.v.i., where he focuses on photochemistry research, spectroscopy studies and their application in astrochemistry and environmental chemistry projects. In 2018, he was awarded the Prize of the Spectroscopy Society of Jan Marek Marci.
