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Defect-Tailored Ag2SeO3: Morphology and Function Tuned by pH-Driven Sonochemical Synthesis.
Henrique Moreno1, Giovanna A Grasser1, Marcio D Teodoro2
1CDMF-LIEC, Federal University of São Carlos (UFSCar), São Carlos 13565-905, Brazil.
ACS Omega
|April 6, 2026
Summary
Synthesizing silver selenite (Ag2SeO3) via sonochemistry at different pH levels tunes its defect chemistry and morphology. This pH control enhances photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin and tailors antimicrobial activity against specific bacteria.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Environmental Chemistry
Background:
- Silver selenite (Ag2SeO3) exhibits potential in photocatalysis and antimicrobial applications.
- Understanding the influence of synthesis parameters on Ag2SeO3 properties is crucial for optimizing its performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of pH-driven sonochemical synthesis on Ag2SeO3 defect chemistry, morphology, and resulting photocatalytic and antimicrobial activities.
- To establish a correlation between synthesis conditions, material properties, and application performance.
Main Methods:
- Sonochemical synthesis of Ag2SeO3 at pH 2, 5, and 12.
- Characterization using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electron microscopy.
- Photocatalytic activity assessed via ciprofloxacin degradation under UV irradiation.
- Antimicrobial activity evaluated against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
- Scavenger and probing experiments to identify reactive species.
Main Results:
- Increasing synthesis pH led to lattice destabilization, increased defect density, and morphological changes from microrods to sheets.
- The pH 12 synthesized Ag2SeO3 showed superior photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin (~98%) via hydroxyl and singlet oxygen species.
- Antimicrobial activity was pH-dependent, with acidic samples inhibiting Gram-positive bacteria and alkaline samples targeting Gram-negative bacteria through ROS and Ag+ release.
- Photocatalytic residues exhibited low toxicity to Staphylococcus aureus and Lactuca sativa.
Conclusions:
- pH modulation during sonochemical synthesis is an effective strategy to engineer Ag2SeO3 defect landscapes and tune its multifunctionality.
- Optimized Ag2SeO3 can be utilized for environmental remediation and targeted antimicrobial applications.
- Further research into post-treatment separation is needed due to concentration-dependent cytotoxicity.
