Photocatalytic inactivation pathways of E. coli bacteria using bismuth oxyiodide photocatalysts

Martinez-Topete, Andrea, Gilbert, Christophe, Dappozze, Frederic, Guillard, Chantal, Folli, Andrea ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8913-6606, Nava-Nuñez, Magaly, Martinez-de la Cruz, Azael, Castellote, Marta and Jimenez-Relinque, Eva 2026. Photocatalytic inactivation pathways of E. coli bacteria using bismuth oxyiodide photocatalysts. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology A: Chemistry 479 , 117286. 10.1016/j.jphotochem.2026.117286

PDF - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial. Download (14MB)

Abstract

In this work, a series of bismuth oxyiodide (BixOyIz) photocatalysts were synthesized via a pH-controlled co-precipitation method, an energy-efficient process carried out at room temperature and in an aqueous medium. The materials were evaluated for their ability to inactivate Escherichia coli (E. coli) under UV and visible light. Structural, morphological, and electronic characterizations revealed that synthesis conditions critically affect phase composition, surface area, and optical properties. Among the materials studied, Bi4I2O5–9 demonstrated superior visible-light-driven antimicrobial activity, achieving complete bacterial inactivation within 10 min. The proposed mechanism appears to be dominated by direct interactions of photogenerated electrons and holes, superoxide radicals or even singlet oxygen, rather than hydroxyl radical-mediated pathways. The effects of possible Bi3+ ion leaching and of the synthesis route on the bacteria inactivation were also evaluated, and the unusually high nitrogen content of Bi4I2O5–9 suggests that minor contributions from reactive nitrogen species cannot be fully ruled out.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Schools > Chemistry Research Institutes & Centres > Cardiff Catalysis Institute (CCI)
Publisher:	Elsevier
ISSN:	1010-6030
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	5 May 2026
Date of Acceptance:	20 April 2026
Last Modified:	11 Aug 2026 21:20
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/186767

Actions (repository staff only)

Edit Item