The York Research Database

This chapter gives an overview of photochemical processes and mechanisms at gas–liquid interfaces. First, some general photochemical principles and reaction mechanisms, such as excitation by absorption of light, photolysis, triplet states, and photosensitization, are introduced. Then, the unique features of the gas–liquid interface, in particular the air–water interface, and their implications for light absorption and photochemical reactions are highlighted and further discussed. Finally, examples of the recent literature are covered, dealing with photoenhanced reactions, photoinduced radical formation, and the photochemistry of organic acids at the gas–liquid interface.