Solvothermal Synthesis of Photocatalytic TiO_2 Nanoparticles Capable of Killing Escherichia coli

摘要

A colloidal solution of titanium dioxide (TiO_2) nanoparticles was prepared by the solvothermal method and dip-coated onto a polypropylene fabric with TMOS binder. The prepared TiO_2 particles, colloidal solution and the coated fabrics were characterized by X-ray diffraction, SEM and TEM. The results showed that the TiO_2 particles prepared by the solvothermal method were composed of anatase which uniformly coated the substrate. Photocatalysis induced bactericidal properties of coated fabrics were tested by measuring the viability of Escherichia coli. It was found that solvothermally prepared TiO_2 coatings have the ability to kill E. coli. This unique property of TiO_2 makes it an ideal candidate in producing self-sterilizing protective masks and in providing bactericidal and self-cleaning properties to a variety of surfaces.