Effect of calcination temperature on the microstructure and antimicrobial activity of boron and cerium co-doped titania nanomaterials

Abstract

The photocatalytic antimicrobial activities of B and Ce co-doped TiO₂ nanomaterials calcinated at different temperatures under visible-light illumination were investigated. B/Ce–TiO₂ nanomaterials were characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV-Vis absorption spectrum (DRS) Photocatalytic antimicrobial activities of the nanomaterials were determined by the inhibition zone and shaking-flask method against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Results show that the phase of B/Ce–TiO₂ could be transformed from amorphous to anatase and then to rutile by increasing the calcination temperature. At lower calcination temperature, B/Ce–TiO₂ nanomaterials exhibit smaller crystal size and higher specific surface area. The present forms of B ions were a substitution B occupying O sites, interstitial B atoms and B–O–B bonds. Ce³⁺ and Ce⁴⁺ co-existed in the materials. Results of the antimicrobial experiment under visible-light irradiation show that B/Ce–TiO₂ nanomaterials exhibited enhanced antimicrobial activities. Ultimately, the action mechanism of B/Ce–TiO₂ was discussed.

Keywords:

• TiO₂
• photocatalysis
• antimicrobial activity
• boron/cerium co-doping
• calcination temperature