Currently
used visible light catalysts either operate with high-power
light sources or require prolonged periods of time for catalytic reactions.
This presents a limitation regarding facile application in indoor
environments and spaces frequented by the public. Furthermore, this
gives rise to elevated power consumption. Here, we enhance photocatalytic
performance with blue TiO2 and WO3 complexes
covalently coupled through an organic molecule, 3-mercaptopropionic
acid, under indoor light. Antibacterial experiments against 108 CFU/mL Escherichia coli (E. coli) suspensions were conducted under indoor light exposure conditions.
They showed a sterilization effect of almost 90% within 70 min and
nearly 100% after 110 min. The complex generates reactive oxygen species
(ROS), such as •OH and O2
•–, under natural air conditions. We also showed that h+ and •OH are important for sterilizing E. coli using common scavengers. This research highlights
the potential of these complexes to generate ROS, effectively playing
a crucial role in antibacterial effects under indoor light.