Why is Anatase a Better Photocatalyst than Rutile? The Importance of Free Hydroxyl Radicals.

A tale of two polymorphs: Anatase is typically a more effective photocatalyst than rutile, however no consensus exists upon the reasons for this difference. Highlighted is a recent development in this area, which gives new insight into the desorption of reactive species from the surface of anatase and rutile. Following presentation of key methods and results of the highlighted work, the wider implications to other similar semiconductor photocatalysts are considered.