To overcome the conventional limitation of TiO2 disinfection being ineffective under light-free conditions, vertically aligned TiO2 nanowires (TNWs) were applied to bacterial disinfection under both dark and UV illumination. Although the TNWs had lower photoactivity than TiO2 nanoparticles (TNPs) with a larger surface area, they exhibited much higher antibacterial efficiencies compared to TNPs under both dark and UV illumination conditions, which was mainly due to additional contribution of physical damage to the cell membranes by the NWs. Such a synergistic effect of physical puncture and photo-induced oxidative stress in the antibacterial process of TNW was clearly established by TEM, SEM, FTIR, and potassium ion release analyses. Moreover, the piercing action of TNWs through the cellular membrane is expected to be advantageous for practical use because it could effectively inactivate a wide range of microorganisms and maintain its bactericidal activity against mixed bacterial cultures. The present study demonstrates that morphological engineering is an effective strategy to extend the application potential of TiO2 in water disinfection under dark or low-power UV illumination conditions.

Enhanced water disinfection using vertically aligned TiO2 nanowires through physical puncture and photocatalytic action

2019 Fall National Meeting

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