Z-scheme CuBi2O4/carbon dots nanoflowers heterojunction to enhance solar photocatalytic sterilization

Here, CuBi 2 O 4 /carbon dots (CBO-CDs) were prepared to reveal their high-performance of solar photocatalytic sterilization. Firstly, CuBi 2 O 4 nanoflower assembled by nanotubes were synthesized via a hydrothermal strategy through the regulation of pH condition. The primary nanotubes shorten the distance for charge transfer, and the novel hierarchical structure also provides abundant active sites to enrich substrate. After the loading of CDs, the composites enhance light harvesting across the entire spectrum. Moreover, they possess Z-scheme mechanism endowing efficient charge separation and high redox potential. The photogenerated electrons can capture the dissolved O 2 to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can induce cellular inactivation by cleaving cell membrane and degrading cytogenetic constituents. The notable solar photocatalytic ability not only inactivate E. coli (96.88 ± 1.50 %) and S. aureus (99.96 ± 1.41 %) but also can damage their biofilms (above 91.70 ± 2.54 %) efficiently. Moreover, the practical complex lake sample was also investigated to reveal great bacteriostatic (97.65 ± 1.30 %) and methylene blue degradation (99.91 ± 1.40 %) ability, simultaneously. Additionally, CBO-CDs also can disinfect mask under irradiation, contributing to the development of self-cleaning mask. Given their broad-spectrum antimicrobial, novel biocompatibility, and solar-activation, CBO-CDs possess great practical application potential for sterilization.