Prof. Shoubhik Das, University of Bayreuth

Lighting the Way: Photocatalysis for
a Sustainable Chemical Future



In this lecture, I will introduce the exciting field of photocatalysis and explain how it is helping us reimagine the foundations of chemistry. We will explore how new light-responsive materials are designed, how they can help recycle plastics or create renewable fuels, and why they are central to achieving a circular economy. Along the way, I will share examples of recent breakthroughs and discuss the challenges that remain before these technologies become part of our daily lives. By “lighting the way,” photocatalysis shows us how the simple power of light can be transformed into a key tool for sustainability, opening new possibilities for chemistry that is both innovative and kinder to our planet.