Enhanced visible-light-induced photocatalytic disinfection of E. coli by carbon-sensitized nitrogen-doped titanium oxide

Nitrogen-doped titanium oxide (TiON) nanoparticle photocatalysts were synthesized by a sol-gel process, for disinfection using E. coli as target bacteria. Our work shows that the calcination atmosphere has strong effects on the composition, structure, optical, and antimicrobial properties of TiON nanoparticles. Powders calcinated in a flow of N ₂ atmosphere (C-TiON) contain free carbon residue and demonstrate different structures and properties compared to the TiON powders calcinated in air. Disinfection experiments on Escherichia coli indicate that C-TiON composite photocatalyst has a much better photocatalytic activity than pure TiON photocatalyst under visible light illumination. The enhanced photocatalytic activity is related to stronger visible light absorption of the carbon-sensitized TiON.