The photocatalytic properties of zinc phthalocyanines supported on hematite nanofibers for use against methyl orange and Staphylococcus aureus

Heterogeneous photocatalysis is a promising approach for environmental remediation from contaminants including microorganisms and organic pollutants. In this work, hematite nanofibers are fabricated and modified with a novel monosubstituted Pc (4) as well as an asymmetrical tetrasubstituted Pc (5) with the aim of creating hybrid photocataysts. The photocatalytic activities of the unmodified and phthalocyanine modified hematite nanofibers were compared based on their efficiencies in the photoinactivation of S. aureus and photooxidation of methyl orange. For both applications, the hybrid nanofibers were found to be more efficient photocatalysts than the unmodified hematite nanofibers. Comparison of the modified nanofibers (4-Fe2O3 and 5-Fe2O3) showed that they have comparable antibacterial activity while the 5-Fe2O3 nanofibers are the best for the photooxidation of methyl orange. The singlet oxygen generation efficiency, high activity, versatility, regenerability and thus reusability of the fabricated hybrid nanofibers makes them ideal candidates for real life water treatment studies.

Automated summary

Hematite nanofibers modified with phthalocyanine show enhanced photocatalytic activity in the photoinactivation of S. aureus and photooxidation of methyl orange. Different types of modified nanofibers (4-Fe2O3 and 5-Fe2O3) exhibit comparable antibacterial activity, with 5-Fe2O3 showing the best oxidation efficiency for methyl orange.