Design of self-cleaning and self-disinfecting paper-shaped photocatalysts based on wood and eucalyptus derived cellulose fibers modified with gCN/Ag nanoparticles

Abstract

In this research, facile and highly reproducible route for fabrication of self-cleaning and self-disinfecting cellulose-based substrate enriched by exfoliated graphitic carbon nitride flakes deposited with silver nanoparticles (gCN_Ag) is reported. Cellulose-based sheets were studied in photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) solutions with different concentartions depending the method: 5% or 25% solution, as well as in antibacterial and antiviral reduction of E. coli and S. aureus bacteria and Φ6 phage virus. Structure of Φ6 mimics COVID-19 viruses and is considered as a good research model for the current pandemic situation The effects of introducing gCN_Ag to the paper pulp on physicochemical, photocatalytic and microbiologic properties were approached. Two different methods of introducing paper sheets to RhB solution and bacterial/viral dispersions were presented: immersion sheets in medium and casting medium onto the sheets. In immersion method, our composite degraded 5% solution of RhB completely in 110 min and reduced E. coli and S. aureus bacteria and Φ6 phage virus in 2 h. According to standard describing contact method, the microbiological test took 24 h and resulted in 100 % reduction of the bacteria and virus viability as well. Photocatalytic process occurred on the solid substrate resulted in 90 % degradation of RhB in 110 min. Promising results indicate that paper based solid substrate is auspicious and scalable multifunctional material which can effectively work as self-cleaning and antimicrobial agent to improve the safety and cleanliness of our indoor space. Moreover, it can clean polluted water reservoirs.