Innovative enhancement of electron tunneling synergy in carbon-doped Ta2O5CuO photocatalyst with nematic liquid crystal for safe drinking water

• Published in: Water research (Oxford) 2024-05, Vol.255, p.121457-121457, Article 121457
• Main Authors: Rajan, S. Thanka, Senthilnathan, J., Arockiarajan, A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: C-Ta2O5-CuO; Electron tunneling synergy; P-Rosaniline hydrochloride dye; Photocatalysis; Solar radiation
• ISSN: 0043-1354; 1879-2448
• DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121457

•C-Ta2O5CuO thin film were fabricated on NLCP obtained from a laptop monitor.•The sputtered C-enriched Ta2O5CuO photocatalyst showed narrow down bandgap.•C-Ta2O5CuO coated NLCP generates enhanced ˙OH radicals at pH 3 under sunlight.•Complete mineralization of PRT-Dye was achieved in all pH (2, 4, 6 and 8).•Reusability of the coated NLCP kinetics showed very low deviation. This study focuses on enhancing the photocatalytic properties of carbon-doped Ta2O5CuO (C-Ta2O5CuO) nanocomposites for drinking water purification. The nanocomposites were fabricated by depositing C-Ta2O5CuO onto Nematic Liquid Crystal Polaroid (NLCP) obtained from a discarded laptop monitor, employing the sputter deposition method. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) determined the nanocomposite thin films' crystallinity and structural properties. The EDX and XPS analyses confirmed the elemental composition and reality of the Cu-incorporated Ta2O5 nanocomposites, respectively. The combination of electron tunneling enhancement provided by the NLCP and graphitic carbon led to exceptional photocatalytic performance. This was particularly evident in the efficient degradation of P-Rosaniline Hydrochloride (PRH) dye in an aqueous medium. C-Ta2O5CuO catalytic activities were estimated at various dye concentrations, repeatability, reusability with time, and kinetics. Coating's stability and long-term activity in photocatalysis reactions were also tested. Additionally, Cu present in the C-Ta2O5CuO and ˙OH radicals exhibited remarkable bactericidal activity. They displayed significant antibacterial efficacy against both gram-positive Escherichia coli (E. coli) and gram-negative Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) bacteria. These findings have significant implications for the development of advanced materials with potent photocatalytic and antibacterial properties, holding promise for improving drinking water quality and addressing environmental and health challenges. [Display omitted]