Visible-light sensitive Cu(II)-TiO2 with sustained anti-viral activity for efficient indoor environmental remediation

Visible-light sensitive photocatalysts are desirable for indoor environmental remediation applications. Photocatalysts used for indoor environmental applications must have efficient visible-light activity and sustainable function under dark conditions, as indoor light instruments are typically switched off during the night. Herein, we report the synthesis and optimization of a highly visible-light sensitive Cu(II)-TiO2 nanocomposite with sustained anti-viral activity under dark conditions. The synthesized Cu(II)-TiO2 exhibited superior volatile organic compound decomposition and anti-viral activity under visible-light irradiation. Its quantum efficiency for the decomposition of gaseous 2-propanol reached 68.7%. In addition, Cu(II)-TiO2 completely inactivated the bacteriophage within 30 min of visible-light irradiation. Notably, the Cu(II)-TiO2 photocatalyst also exhibited sustained anti-viral activity under dark conditions after visible-light irradiation treatment. Taken together, these findings indicate that the prepared Cu(II)-TiO2 is potentially an effective risk-reduction material for indoor applications.