Impact of remnant surface polarization on photocatalytic and antibacterial performance of BaTiO3

A novel method for bacterial degradation through ferro-photocatalysis was explored. Remnant polarization on poled sample delays the recombination of charge carries during photoexcitation which results in excellent photocatalysis and bacterial degradation on the poled samples. The positive side of poled BaTiO3 (BT) sample showed superior photocatalytic and antibacterial performance due to better attachment of bacteria on the positive surface. Water microelectrolysis produces reactive oxygen species (ROS). Ferroelectric material increases intracellular oxidative stress which further rises in the presence of ultra violet light. ROS affect cellular membrane and damage other cellular organelles through oxidative damage. The positive surface of poled material displayed effective antibacterial activity with 93% of bacterial cell degradation in one hour of exposure. The antibacterial property of BT has tremendously improved under UV irradiation and bacterial survival reduced to zero within one hour exposure. The improved antibacterial performance is attributed to the polarization of the BT sample.