During COVID-19 pandemic, the spread of infectious diseases brought on by pathogenic airborne bacteria and viruses has been brought into the spotlight. Along with a search for therapeutics and vaccines, new technologies and methods are required to restrict the spread of bioaerosols in indoor environments to minimize health and environment related risks. In this context, UV-based and photocatalytic oxidation (PCO) based technologies with modified TiO2 is a promising approach to improve both health and air quality. Modified TiO2 with novel photocatalytic properties under indoor light irradiation represent the most widely utilized approach at present because of its cost-effective and eco-friendly nature. The production of oxidative radicals generated through the irradiation of the TiO2 surface by the UV light directly inactivates viral particles and bacteria through nucleic acid and protein damages suggesting that the veridical and bactericidal effect relies on the synergy between them. In this study, we focus on modified TiO2 as a catalyst in heterogeneous photo-catalytic processes and address the efficiency of TiO2-based building and construction materials on the removal of indoor and outdoor environmental pollutants. Herein, we present recent results on the disinfection performance of these material and the inactivation of severe pathogens contained in the indoor environments along with the modified materials which are eventually formed as toxicologically relevant and harmful by products during the photo-induced degradation of pollutants from the application of TiO2 modified materials in an effort for better evaluation of induced risks for human health from the application. Finally, we present recent results on the disinfection performance of these materials and the inactivation of severe pathogens contained in water and indoor air environments.

Effect of UV irradiation and modified TiO2 on bio-aerosols

ACS Spring 2022

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.