Surface amorphization oxygen vacancy‐rich porous Sn ₃ O _<i>x</i> nanosheets for boosted photoelectrocatalytic bacterial inactivation

Abstract

Abstract Antibiotic misuse has resulted in the emergence of superbugs, warranting new antibacterial methods. Surface amorphisation oxygen vacancy‐rich porous Sn 3 O x nanosheets in situ grown on Ni foam are successfully designed via a simple, one‐step hydrothermal method, resulting in enhanced photoelectrochemical (PEC) bacterial inactivation. In this system, the porous structure enriches its surface with oxygen vacancies, which can extend the absorption spectrum into the near‐infrared region, while oxygen vacancies can enhance the separation of electron–hole pairs. Most importantly, the sheet‐like porous structure enhances surface active sites and increase the contact area between bacteria and electrodes. Therefore, the reactive oxygen species produced during the PEC process can directly act on the surface of bacteria and is 100% effectively against drug‐resistant Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria in water within 30 min. This study acts as a foundation for the development of novel photoelectrocatalyst electrodes for efficient water purification.