Abstract
The antimicrobial properties of silver and copper have been exploited since ancient times. Presently, their bactericidal properties are commonly used in the application of noble metals in the form of nanoparticles or nanofilms. Photocatalysis is considered one of the best methods for environmental purification because additional chemical compounds, such as strong oxidants, are not introduced into an environment. The enhancement of antimicrobial properties of heterogeneous photocatalysts (e.g., titania) modified with noble metals under irradiation is probably caused by synergism between dark antimicrobial properties of noble metals and photodisinfection properties of photocatalyst (e.g., reactive oxygen species generated on the surface of irradiated semiconductor). Moreover, it is thought that the additional antimicrobial properties originated from plasmonic heating (under visible light irradiation) may enhance final antimicrobial effect. In this chapter, examples of the application of noble metal-based materials for decomposition of both chemical and microbiological pollutants are shortly discussed.
Published Version
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