Zn and N Codoped TiO₂ Thin Films: Photocatalytic and Bactericidal Activity

We explore a series of Zn and N codoped TiO2 thin films grown using chemical vapor deposition. Films were prepared with various concentrations (0.4-2.9 at. % vs Ti), their impact on superoxide formation, photocatalytic activity, bactericidal properties determined. Superoxide (O2•-) formation was assessed 2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-[(phenylamino)carbonyl]-2H-tetrazolium sodium salt (XTT) as an indicator, activity determined from the degradation stearic acid under UVA light, Gram-negative bacterium E. coli both fluorescent light (similar to what is found in clinical environment). The 0.4% Zn,N:TiO2 film demonstrated highest formal quantum efficiency degrading (3.3 × 10-5 molecules·photon-1), while 1.0% showed conditions (>3 log kill). enhanced correlated increased charge carrier lifetime, supported by transient absorption spectroscopy (TAS) measurements.