Abstract: Disclosed is a photocatalyst activation system characterized by including (a) a catalyst which includes a photocatalytic material containing cerium oxide, or a catalyst which includes a photocatalytic material containing at least one oxide selected from the group consisting of transition metal oxides other than cerium oxide; (b) a light source which irradiates the catalyst with light; and (c) a heat transfer device which transfers heat to the catalyst. By this photocatalyst activation system, it is possible to widen a usable wavelength range of light, and to enhance the catalytic activity to a large extent.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a photoconductive ignition system including a photoconductor configured to contact an oxidant-fuel gas mixture, and a light source providing irradiating light to a surface of the photoconductor. The photoconductor absorbs at least some of the light from the light source, which causes a variation in electrical potential at the surface of the photoconductor, thereby igniting the oxidant-fuel gas mixture. The disclosure further relates to a method of activating an oxidant-fuel gas mixture by exposing a photoconductor surface to the gas mixture and irradiating the surface with a light source emitting light at a wavelength corresponding to an energy level greater than a band gap energy level of the photoconductor, thereby activating the gas mixture in a combustion reaction.