The Analysis and Photocatalytic Treatment of Pollutants in Air Unit (FOTOAir) is part of the Renewable Energy Division of the Energy Department in the Energy, Environmental and Technological Research Center (CIEMAT).

The aim of the Unit is the development of knowledge, processes and technologies capable of eliminate air pollutants in a environmentally friendly and efficient way. Solar and artificial low cost light are used as irradiation sources.

For this purpose, have been developed different research lines for the photocatalytic treatment of pollutants in air: synthesis of novel photocatalysts; design of new photoreactors and applications both on outdoor and indoor environment. 

The position of the scientific unit is very broad, collaborating with different research groups and participating in a large number of national and international projects.

Heterogeneous Photocatalysis is a process based on the absorption of direct or indirect radiant energy (UV-Vis)  by a solid material, usually a wide-bandgap semiconductor. In the interface between the excited solid surface and the gaseous phase takes place the degradation reaction of pollutants, without chemical change in the photocatalyst.