Highly antibacterial Cu/Fe/N co-doped TiO2 nanopowder under visible light

Antibacterial Cu/Fe/N co-doped TiO2 nanopowder was prepared by a facile sol-gel method without using stabilizing agents. With doping concentrations of Cu and N fixed, Cu/Fe/N co-doped TiO2 nanopowder with different Fe doping concentration was prepared. The nanopowder had nanoscale particle size and anatase crystal form typical of TiO2. Doping of multiple elements did not affect the morphology and crystal structure. Based on X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) data, the mechanisms of high photocatalytic activity of the nanopowder were elucidated. The antibacterial evaluation and cytotoxicity test indicated that the nanopowder inhibited bacteria significantly under visible light and had ultralow cytotoxicity.

Automated summary

Antibacterial Cu/Fe/N co-doped TiO2 nanopowder was prepared without using stabilizing agents, showing nanoscale particle size and anatase crystal form typical of TiO2. The mechanisms of high photocatalytic activity were elucidated based on XPS and UV-vis data. The nanopowder exhibited significant antibacterial effects and ultralow cytotoxicity.