Application of TiO₂ in Photocatalytic Bacterial Inactivation: Review

Area of Science:

• Materials Science, Environmental Science, Microbiology

Background:

• Rising antimicrobial resistance necessitates novel disinfection methods.
• Titanium dioxide (TiO2) photocatalysis shows promise for pathogen inactivation and pollutant degradation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in TiO2-based photocatalysts for antibacterial applications.
• To explore strategies for enhancing TiO2 photocatalytic efficiency, particularly under visible light.

Main Methods:

• Review of literature on various TiO2 modifications (nanopowders, nanoparticles, thin films, composites, nanostructures).
• Analysis of strategies for visible-light-responsive TiO2 (doping, plasmonic nanoparticles, heterostructures).
• Discussion of TiO2 structural features, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation mechanisms, and kinetic models.

Main Results:

• Various TiO2 modifications demonstrate potent antibacterial activity, primarily under UV light.
• Strategies like doping and heterostructure formation enable visible-light-driven photocatalysis.
• Understanding ROS generation and kinetics is crucial for optimizing disinfection.

Conclusions:

• TiO2 photocatalysis is a viable eco-friendly technology for combating resistant microbes.
• Further research into visible-light-responsive TiO2 is essential for sustainable applications.
• Optimized TiO2 systems offer cost-effective and sustainable disinfection solutions.