Hybrid Cu(x)O/TiO₂ nanocomposites as risk-reduction materials in indoor environments.
Photocatalytic TiO(2) powders impart ultraviolet light-induced self-cleaning and antibacterial functions when coated on outdoor building materials. For indoor applications, however, TiO(2) must be modified for visible-light and dark sensitivity. Here we report that the grafting of nanometer-sized Cu(x)O clusters onto TiO(2) generates an excellent risk-reduction material in indoor environments. X-ray absorption near-edge structure using synchrotron radiation and high-resolution transmission electron microscopic analyses revealed that Cu(x)O clusters were composed of Cu(I) and Cu(II) valence states. The Cu(II) species in the Cu(x)O clusters endow TiO(2) with efficient visible-light photooxidation of volatile organic compounds, whereas the Cu(I) species impart antimicrobial properties under dark conditions. By controlling the balance between Cu(I) and Cu(II) in Cu(x)O, efficient decomposition and antipathogenic activity were achieved in the hybrid Cu(x)O/TiO(2) nanocomposites.
Department of Metallurgy and Ceramics Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Tokyo Institute of Technology, 2-12-1 Ookayama, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 152-8552, Japan.
Xiaoqing
X
Qiu
Masahiro
M
Miyauchi
Kayano
K
Sunada
Masafumi
M
Minoshima
Min
M
Liu
Yue
Y
Lu
Ding
D
Li
Yoshiki
Y
Shimodaira
Yasuhiro
Y
Hosogi
Yasushi
Y
Kuroda
Kazuhito
K
Hashimoto
D003300:Copper / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D004777:Environment; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000737:chemistry*; D004926:Escherichia coli / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D006859:Hydrogen / Q000737:chemistry; D050296:Microbial Viability / Q000187:drug effects; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry*; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D055668:Photochemical Processes; D012306:Risk; D013211:Staphylococcus aureus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry*; D014835:Volatilization
D004785:Environmental Pollutants; C009495:titanium dioxide; D003300:Copper; D006859:Hydrogen; D014025:Titanium; C000520:cuprous oxide; C030973:cupric oxide