Why in the News?

Researchers at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, have developed a photocatalyst using copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS) nanoparticles, capable of efficiently degrading sulfamethoxazole, a broad-spectrum antibiotic. This innovation addresses significant environmental issues related to antibiotic contamination, including resistance and ecological harm.

What is Photocatalyst?

• It is a substance that accelerates a chemical reaction under light irradiation, typically sunlight.
• It enables the breakdown of pollutants, such as organic compounds, by generating reactive species when exposed to light.
• They are often used in environmental applications, like air and water purification, due to their ability to degrade harmful substances into less toxic forms.
• Common materials used as photocatalysts include titanium dioxide (TiO₂) and, as in recent research, copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS).