Photocatalytic Antibacterial Effectiveness of Cu-Doped TiO2 Thin Film Prepared via the Peroxo Sol-Gel Method

Abstract

Cu-doped titanium dioxide thin films (Cu/TiO2) were prepared on glass substrate via peroxo sol-gel method and dip-coating process with no subsequent calcination process for the degradation of organic dye and use as an antibacterial agent. The as-prepared materials were characterised using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). For photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue in water, the samples were subjected to Ultraviolet C (UVC) and visible light irradiation. Degraded methylene blue concentration was measured using UV-Vis spectrophotometer. The antibacterial activities of the samples were tested against the gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli (ATCC25922). Copper species were present in the form of CuO on the surface of modified TiO2 particles, which was confirmed using TEM and XPS. The optimal observed Cu/TiO2 weight ratio of 0.5 represents the highest photocatalytic activities under both UVC and visible light irradiation. Moreover, the same composition remarkably exhibited high antibacterial effectiveness against E. coli after illumination with ultraviolet A. The presence of CuO on TiO2 significantly enhanced photocatalytic activities. Therefore, active Cu-doped TiO2 can be used as a multipurpose coating material.

Dye degradation performance, bactericidal behavior and molecular docking analysis of Cu-doped TiO2 nanoparticles

“…A slight shi to lower values in layer spacing (0.33 nm) upon Cu doping is attributed to a thorough distribution of dopant element between interlayers of host sample. 24,52,53 Upon Cu doping, no distinct peak of dopant or formation of any crystal phase of dopant species was observed in the acquired XRD spectra. This observation does not necessarily indicate that Cu-based planes/phases are not present in the synthesized product.…”

“…[24][25][26] The produced ROS leads to a direct contact between cells and nanoparticles, which causes cell death due to the damage induced in the cell membrane and DNA, ultimately resulting in cessation of cell cycle. 7,24,27 It prevents and destroys major pathogens and foodborne bacteria such as E. coli, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Bacillus subtilis, S. aureus, and Pseudomonas. The high level of antimicrobial activity ascribed to Cu dopant in various studies is directly associated with the release of ions that causes oxidative stress with the production of ROS under aerobic circumstances.…”

Visible-Light Active Titanium Dioxide Nanomaterials with Bactericidal Properties

“…Copper metal is widely used in hospitals for preventing spread of bacteria among the patients because of its antimicrobial activity [243]. Therefore, copper can be used to dope titania for antibacterial purposes [244][245][246][247]. As an example, TiO 2 -Cu films exhibit bacterial inactivation for E. coli and MRSA under indoor visible light irradiation [244,245].…”

Facile Synthesis of Ag/TiO2 by Photoreduction Method and Its Degradation Activity of Methylene Blue under UV and Visible Light Irradiation

“…[6] [7] [8]. The XPS spectra were collected using Al Kα radiation at a voltage and current of 20 kV and 30 mA, respectively.…”

“…for Ti-O bond and hydroxyl groups on the surface[7]-[13] [38]-[45], respectively. The Ag/TiO 2 could generate more active hydroxyl radicals (HO·),…”