Photochemical processes in zeolites: new developments

The organized channels and cages of zeolites provide a novel medium for carrying out photochemical reactions. Besides the confinement effect, the role of zeolite framework, extra-framework cations and the unique solvent nature of the zeolite all have profound influence on the photochemistry and photophysics of molecules. In this review, we have highlighted the important developments in the field of zeolite photochemistry over the past two years. Examples of photochemical reactions, photooxygenations and photoelectron transfer are presented. In addition, there has been considerable interest in using zeolite-based photochemistry for environmental remediation. Novel zeolitic materials, including zeolite composites, sensors and multifunctional assemblies that use light to initiate function are also described.