Applications of Photocatalytic Disinfection

TLDR

Photocatalysis can inactivate diverse microorganisms and is being explored as a safer alternative to chlorination for disinfection in air and water. The study develops and tests photocatalytic surfaces for self‑disinfecting materials. The review examines various photocatalytic disinfection techniques and test organisms, focusing on end‑use applications of the technologies.

Abstract

Due to the superior ability of photocatalysis to inactivate a wide range of harmful microorganisms, it is being examined as a viable alternative to traditional disinfection methods such as chlorination, which can produce harmful byproducts. Photocatalysis is a versatile and effective process that can be adapted for use in many applications for disinfection in both air and water matrices. Additionally, photocatalytic surfaces are being developed and tested for use in the context of “self-disinfecting” materials. Studies on the photocatalytic technique for disinfection demonstrate this process to have potential for widespread applications in indoor air and environmental health, biological, and medical applications, laboratory and hospital applications, pharmaceutical and food industry, plant protection applications, wastewater and effluents treatment, and drinking water disinfection. Studies on photocatalytic disinfection using a variety of techniques and test organisms are reviewed, with an emphasis on the end-use application of developed technologies and methods.