Rapid bacterial disinfection using low frequency piezocatalysis effect

The present work is the systematic study of ferrocatalysis, ferro-photocatalysis, piezocatalysis and piezo-photocatalysis effects for bacterial degradation. The investigation revealed the ferrocatalysis driven bacterial degradation rate can be improved with incorporation of light of suitable wavelength, vibration and combination of both. Complete bacterial disinfection was achieved through piezo-photocatalysis effect using poled BaTiO3 (BT) ceramic within 30 min of exposure. Bacterial degradation was observed using surface potential generated on the surface of BT during mechanical vibration. Interestingly, it was found that lower frequency (8 Hz) was able to develop sufficient voltage to trigger bactericidal effect. Scanning electron microscopy was used to study effect of catalytic processes on the morphology of bacterial cells.