A compound of ZnO/PDMS with photocatalytic, self-cleaning and antibacterial properties prepared via two-step method

The combination of photocatalysis and superhydrophobic has attracted much attention because of its great prospect. In this work, ZnO/PDMS composites were synthesized by electrodeposition-grafting modification method. The effects of process parameters on the structure and properties of the composite structures were studied, and the composite structures were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction technique (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), UV-visible spectroscopy and contact angle measurement. The results showed that the samples obtained under the optimal conditions have superhydrophobic property and remained excellent photocatalytic performance. In the self-cleaning experiment, the simulated pollutants can be effectively removed from the surface. Compared with ZnO, ZnO/PDMS possessed better resistance to Escherichia coli, which was due to the synergistic antibacterial mechanism of photocatalytic activity and superhydrophobic interaction. Furthermore, we also discussed the mechanism in detail.

Automated summary

The study synthesized ZnO/PDMS composites by electrodeposition-grafting modification method and investigated the effects of process parameters on the composite structure and properties. The results demonstrated that samples prepared under optimal conditions exhibited superhydrophobicity and excellent photocatalytic performance.