Preparation of catalysts and photocatalysts used for similar processes

This chapter reports the main techniques used to synthesize powders and films of heterogeneous catalysts and photocatalysts, often used for similar processes. Traditional preparation processes of bulky (photo)catalysts including precipitation, sol-gel technique, hydrothermal or solvothermal method, solid-state reactions, and flame syntheses were briefly described. The sonochemical method and microwave irradiation technique were also considered. The syntheses of supported catalysts by different techniques, including deposition-precipitation, impregnation, and wet coating technologies were also described. Moreover, a survey is reported of methods to deposit thin films of catalysts on various supports such as deposition-precipitation, impregnation, chemical and physical vapor deposition, or electrodeposition.