Catalytic disinfection: Quasi-dynamically monitoring bacteria sterilization based on CuNPs/ZnIn2S4 disinfectants and in-situ CuNPs regeneration

As a novel sterilization technology (i.e., catalytic disinfection), a disinfectant with high efficiency, economy, safety, and/or long lifespan is sought, while the mechanism is to be revealed. Herein, compared with noble Ag, Cu adopted has successfully modulated CuNPs/ZnIn2S4 (Cu/ZIS) disinfectants via a green photodeposition at room temperature. The Cu/ZIS-driven catalytic disinfection under indoor lighting (Vis, 420 < λ < 630 nm) exhibited excellent bactericidal efficiencies of 100% both for P. aeruginosa (≥ 6 logs) and mixed bacteria in natural water (i.e., Dongtiaoxi River), while it also functions as hindering bacteria regrowth and suppressing Cu loss. The bacteria death process (e.g., cell membrane damage, intracellular compounds leaching) was studied via quasi-dynamically monitoring and a new action mechanism of Cu/ZIS with in-situ regeneration of Cu atomic clusters was also uncovered. These results provide a cheap well-designed disinfectant with a long lifespan, and a feasibility of catalytic disinfection for harmful microorganisms.