Abstract
Nanocrystalline photocatalysts, prepared under ambient conditions using a microwave assisted synthesis, show indoor light photocatalytic activity for the degradation of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The zinc sulphide (ZnS) nanomaterials, prepared by a microwave assisted synthesis, are shown to be cubic blende structure with an average crystallite size of 4-6. nm. The anti-bacterial activity of these nanomaterials is investigated under irradiation from a 60. W light bulb and photocatalytic activity is revealed to be due to the defects present in the crystal structure. The ZnS shows anti-bacterial action as both a bacteriostatic and bacteriocidal (88% reduction in the amount of bacteria in 5. h) material and the methods of bacterial degradation on the ZnS is discussed. The anti-bacterial actions of these materials were also compared with commercial ZnS and Evonik-Degussa P-25. A detailed mechanism for the light absorption in the visible light region of the microwave prepared ZnS is proposed based on the luminescence spectroscopy.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 106-111 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Applied Catalysis B: Environmental |
Volume | 130-131 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 7 Feb 2013 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Anti-MRSA coatings
- Anti-microbial
- Band gap
- Cell wall
- Decontamination
- Degussa P-25
- Disinfection
- Doping
- Emerging pollutants
- Escherichia coli
- Gram positive and gram negative bacteria
- Green and energy efficient synthesis
- Hospital acquired infections
- MRSA
- Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
- Micro-biology
- P. aerginosa
- Photo-activity
- Solar
- TiO
- Visible light
- XPS
- ZnO