This document discusses photocatalysts, which are compounds that initiate or accelerate chemical reactions when activated by light. It provides examples of photocatalyst applications such as deodorization, antibacterial effects, water treatment, self-cleaning glass, water splitting to produce hydrogen, solar water disinfection, methane production from carbon monoxide, sterilization of surgical instruments, removal of fingerprints, decomposition of crude oil, and many others. The document explains that photocatalysts work by producing strong hydroxyl and oxygen radicals when activated by light that can destroy organic contaminants and convert them to harmless carbon dioxide and water.