Abstract
This work demonstrates a novel method to deposit an antibacterial TiO2 thin film on a polymer substrate at room temperature. A combination of sol–gel and photon assistance was used in the experiment in order to avoid any thermal processes of thin film crystallization. The morphological photograph of samples indicated that the TiO2 thin film was perfectly coated on the PVC substrate without any cracks or pinholes. Chemical analysis by EDS and XPS reported that the thin film consisted of titanium (Ti), oxygen (O), and carbon (C). The Raman spectrum proved that the thin film was the anatase phase of TiO2 and, furthermore, that it was contaminated with carbon remaining from the photon assistance process. In addition, the optical band gap of the thin film was 3.35 eV, suggesting that the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 should occur under UV-A radiation. The bacteria viability assay was examined using E. coli and S. typhimurium as indicator strains under UV-A irradiation (365 nm) at different times. The data from OD and CFU count revealed that >97% of bacteria were killed after 60 min of irradiation, and the bacteria were completely killed at 120 min for E. coli and 180 min for S. typhimurium.
Highlights
At present, access to clean and reliable water resources, necessary for the activities and public health of human beings, has been reduced significantly due to the transmission of waterborne diseases through various substances, such as bacteria, viruses, and hazardous and radioactive materials [1,2]
This work succeeded in synthesizing a TiO2 thin film coated on a PVC substrate at room temperature using a combination of sol–gel and photon-assistance techniques
Due to the simplicity and low cost of this technique, TiO2 thin film coating can be performed without using thermal processes, high-tech equipment, or vacuum systems
Summary
Access to clean and reliable water resources, necessary for the activities and public health of human beings, has been reduced significantly due to the transmission of waterborne diseases through various substances, such as bacteria, viruses, and hazardous and radioactive materials [1,2]. Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium) are leading pathogenic microorganisms which can cause dangerous diseases, such as diarrhea or gastroenteritis. The prevalence of these pathogenic microorganisms in daily consumer products (e.g., drinking water and food) is a notable concern for public health professionals. According to water quality guidelines, drinking water is usually disinfected by the addition of chlorine. Other mutagenic and carcinogenic disinfection by-products can be generated due to the reaction of chloride with natural organic compounds in the water.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
