Silica decorated TiO2 for virus inactivation in drinking water--simple synthesis method and mechanisms of enhanced inactivation kinetics.

A new method of modifying TiO2 photocatalysts with SiO2 is developed in which SiO2 nanoparticles are simply mixed with TiO2 in water under ambient conditions. This method does not require the use of toxic solvents or significant energy input. Although the SiO2 modification slightly reduces hydroxyl free radical production, the composite SiO2-TiO2 nanomaterials have markedly higher photocatalytic inactivation rates for a common surrogate virus, bacteriophage MS2 (up to 270% compared to the unmodified TiO2), due to the greatly improved adsorptive density and dark inactivation of MS2.

Alumoxane/ferroxane nanoparticles for the removal of viral pathogens: the importance of surface functionality to nanoparticle activity.

A bi-functional nano-composite coating has been created on a porous Nomex® fabric support as a trap for aspirated virus contaminated water. Nomex® fabric was successively dip-coated in solutions containing cysteic acid functionalized alumina (alumoxane) nanoparticles and cysteic acid functionalized iron oxide (ferroxane) nanoparticles to form a nanoparticle coated Nomex® (NPN) fabric. From SEM and EDX the nanoparticle coating of the Nomex® fibers is uniform, continuous, and conformal.

Simple route to enhanced photocatalytic activity of p25 titanium dioxide nanoparticles by silica addition.

Silica doped TiO2(P25) nanoparticles are tested for its photocatalytic activity in the degradation of bacteriophage MS2. During our studies it was found that treatment of TiO2(P25) in the glass flasks sealed with silicone grease resulted in a significant improvement in the catalytic activity of the titania. Further improvement can be made by the purposeful reaction of TiO2(P25) with 2.

Virus inactivation by silver doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles for drinking water treatment.

Photocatalytic inactivation of viruses and other microorganisms is a promising technology that has been increasingly utilized in recent years. In this study, photocatalytic silver doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nAg/TiO(2)) were investigated for their capability of inactivating Bacteriophage MS2 in aqueous media. Nano-sized Ag deposits were formed on two commercial TiO(2) nanopowders using a photochemical reduction method.

Antimicrobial nanomaterials for water disinfection and microbial control: potential applications and implications.

The challenge to achieve appropriate disinfection without forming harmful disinfection byproducts by conventional chemical disinfectants, as well as the growing demand for decentralized or point-of-use water treatment and recycling systems calls for new technologies for efficient disinfection and microbial control. Several natural and engineered nanomaterials have demonstrated strong antimicrobial properties through diverse mechanisms including photocatalytic production of reactive oxygen species that damage cell components and viruses (e.g.