Bacteria Inactivation via X-ray-Induced UVC Radioluminescence: Toward in Situ Biofouling Prevention in Membrane Modules.

Germicidal UVC radiation is a highly effective, chemical-free tool for bacteria inactivation, but its application is limited to reactors and open areas that can accommodate lamps/LEDs and wiring. A relevant example of problematic bacterial colonization within UV-inaccessible confines where chemical techniques have found only limited success is biofouling of feed channels in high-pressure membrane elements for water treatment. Herein we demonstrate a unique method of generating UV internally using embedded radioluminescent (RL) particles excited by an external X-ray source.