Photoelectrocatalytic sterilization on thorn-like ZIF-67/ZnO hybrid photoanodes

A new type of ZIF-67/ZnO hybrid coated on Co foil was prepared via an electrochemical etching and hydrothermal processes for photoelectrocatalytic sterilization. The thorn-like ZnO nanorods in the photoanode films play an important role of capturing bacteria from solution. The porous ZIF-67 with high specific surface area efficiently adsorbed the leaked K+ ions assisted by the hERG release, and realizes the visible-light photocatalytic activity with the generation of charge carriers. The visible-light photoelectrocatalytic antibacterial effect on ZIF-67/ZnO hybrid is further promoted by applying a potential to the photoelectrode to promote the separation and transfer of charge carriers. As a result, the visible-light photoelectrocatalytic antibacterial effect was powerful for rapid destroy of cell integrity. At the same time, the decomposition of bacteria cell was also facilitated to further accelerate the K+ leakage. Thus, the simultaneous process of destroying cell membrane integrity and leaking K+ ions is achieved during the photoelectrocatalytic process, leading to the complete destruction of bacteria. This photoelectrocatalytic antibacterial system based on ZIF-67/ZnO@Co foil offers a potential way for sterilization application in the future.