An impact of the copper additive on photocatalytic and bactericidal properties of TiO₂ thin films

Abstract

The biological and photocatalytic activity of TiO 2 and TiO 2 :Cu in relation to their structure, surface topography, wettability and optical properties of the thin films was investigated. Thin-film coatings were prepared by magnetron sputtering method in oxygen plasma with use of metallic targets (Ti and Ti-Cu). The results of structural studies revealed that addition of Cu into titania matrix (during the deposition process) resulted in obtaining of an amorphous film, while in case of undoped TiO 2 , presence of nanocrystalline anatase (with crystallites size of 20 nm) was found. Moreover, an addition of cooper had also an effect on surface diversification and decrease of its hydrophilicity. The roughness of TiO 2 :Cu film was 25 % lower (0.6 nm) as-compared to titania (0.8 nm). These modifications of TiO 2 :Cu had an impact on the decrease of its photocatalytic activity, probably as a result of the active surface area decrease. Antibacterial and antifungal properties of the thin films against bacteria (Enterococcus hirae, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli) and yeast (Candida albicans) were also examined. For the purpose of this work the method dedicated for the evaluation of antimicrobial properties of thin films was developed. It was revealed that Cu-additive has a positive impact on neutralization of microorganisms.

Wetting properties of titanium oxides, oxynitrides and nitrides obtained by DC and pulsed magnetron sputtering and cathodic arc evaporation

“…Additionally, it induces an increase in heat exchange efficiency and the nonspecific adsorption of proteins, cells, thrombus, osteoarthritis, and so on. Such modified surface offers extended opportunities of applications, mainly as antimicrobial and self-cleaning coatings in the food technology and medicine applications [17]. Also they can be applied in the implantology, particularly for surface modification of various implants on the base of titanium, its alloys or other metal materials, like hip and knee prosthesis, implants for heart valves or venous and urinary tract catheters.…”

Electrochemically Obtained TiO2/CuxOy Nanotube Arrays Presenting a Photocatalytic Response in Processes of Pollutants Degradation and Bacteria Inactivation in Aqueous Phase

“…Metsunga et al were among the pioneers who studied the application of titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) as a promising photocatalyst in terms of antimicrobial reactions [21]. Copper possesses high antimicrobial features [22] with the potential for drug degradation [23] and, due to lower toxicity, price, and increased cytocompatibility [24], it is more favorable than silver or gold. This is the reason why it has been more intensively studied among other catalysts nowadays.…”

TiO2 Microparticles Incorporation in Coatings Produced by Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO) on Titanium

“…The XRD also reveals the presence of peaks of sodium titanium oxide hydrate, which are present in all of the oxides except for those treated at 20 Hz. A characteristic common to all of the PEO samples is, instead, the presence in all of the diffractograms of a broad peak around 28 to 35 • that is related to the formation of an amorphous material, probably associated with the presence of amorphous silicates and silica [15][16][17][18][19].…”