Abstract
This review presents an update describing binary and ternary semiconductors involving interfacial charge transfer (IFCT) in composites made up by TiO2, CuO, Ag2O and Fe2O3 used in microbial disinfection (bacteria and viruses). The disinfection mechanism, kinetics and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in solution under solar/visible light are discussed. The surface properties of the photocatalysts and their active catalytic sites are described in detail. Pathogenic biofilm inactivation by photocatalytic thin films is addressed since biofilms are the most dangerous agents of spreading pathogens into the environment.
Highlights
This update is designed primarily for students and researchers in the area of photocatalysis, describing the design, synthesis, evaluation and characterization of innovative photocatalysts allowing environmental disinfection
A higher surface area of a TiO2 NP photocatalyst has been reported to lead to faster bacterial inactivation kinetics compared to samples prepared at higher temperatures and presenting lower specific surface areas (SSAs) [26]
Conclusions and Outlook for Future Work. This update briefly describes the scientific bases for the use of semiconductor and metal/semiconductor materials, addressing critical issues in the photocatalytic pathogen inactivation field
Summary
This update is designed primarily for students and researchers in the area of photocatalysis, describing the design, synthesis, evaluation and characterization of innovative photocatalysts allowing environmental disinfection. During virus removal and inactivation, the reaction media should present the relatively high light penetration required, allowing the disinfection process to take place This update presents some selected photocatalysts inactivating bacteria/viruses due to the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in the media. These ROS permeate into the host cell, inducing damage to the virus. Metals can undergo specific redox covalent reactions with the topmost functional groups of the virus or cells’ outer layers This involves redox reactions between the metal/ions and generates organometallic toxic species, leading to cell inactivation in the dark or under light [16,17,18,19]. A more stringent evaluation of biologically treated water is needed nowadays to ensure the quality of drinking water and ensure that it is free of viruses
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