Mid-IR Light-Activatable Full Spectrum LaB6 Plasmonic Photocatalyst

Photocatalysts as long-lasting, benign reagents for disinfection of bacteria in hospitals and public areas/facilities/transportation vehicles are strongly needed. A common limitation for all existing semiconductor photocatalysts is the requirement of activation by external UV-vis-near-infrared (NIR) light with wavelengths shorter than approximate to 1265 nm. None of the existing photocatalysts can function during nighttime in the absence of external light. Herein, an unprecedented LaB6 plasmonic photocatalyst is reported, which can absorb UV-vis-NIR light and mid-IR (3900 nm) light to split water and generate hydrogen and hydroxyl radicals for the decomposition of organic pollutants, as well as kill multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli bacteria. Mid-IR light (approximate to 2-50 mu m) is readily available from the natural environments via thermal radiation of warm/hot objects on the earth including human bodies, animals, furnances, hot/warm electrical devices, and buildings.

Automated summary

This passage introduces a novel photocatalyst, LaB6, which can absorb light to split water and decompose organic pollutants, as well as kill multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli bacteria. It can function during both daytime and nighttime by utilizing mid-IR light that is readily available from natural environments.