Photoactive TiO2 irradiated with ultraviolet light demonstrates antiseptic, fungicidal, disinfecting and odour-neutralizing properties. Coatings of titanium oxide (IV) are useful when they modify polymer surfaces, as nanocrystalline titanium oxide (IV) or nanocrystalline titanium oxide(IV) but surface-modified with organic compound.
The material according to the present invention exhibits photocatalytic activity when
irradiated with visible light or ultraviolet light. As a result of light exposure, Reactive Oxygen Species (OH•, O2–, H2O2, 1O2) responsible for oxidation of organic compounds and decay of microorganisms are formed.
Application:
The method may be used for production of self-cleaning surfaces as well as disinfection, sterilization or odour-neutralizing agents.
Characterization and proofs
The application of photocatalytic coatings of TiO2 relates to sterilization of plastic elements, (like polyurethane (PU), polycarbonate (PC), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)) used in:
- medicine;
- pharmaceuticals packaging;
- production: photosterilizing materials, photobactericidal, photofungicidal materials.
The activity of obtained coatings was specified with solutions of azure B, as model pollution for photocatalytic activity tests. A sample of plastic with the synthesized TiO2 coating was impregnated and irradiated for period of 3 h. During the indicated time almost complete degradation of the dye was observed.
This technology is patented in the area of Poland, Germany, France, Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Japan and China and is subject of patent application in the area of India and Korea (with priority date 23/07/2012).
Further development of the invention is under progress at the Faculty of Chemistry, Jagiellonian University.
information / broker of Jagiellonian University
