Structural design and antibacterial properties of porous SiO2/ZnO/Cu2O composites

Abstract

In this study, the main antibacterial agent employed was nano-ZnO/Cu2O composite powder. The nano-ZnO/Cu2O composite powder was thoroughly dispersed within the gel precursor and subsequently utilized as a carrier for the preparation of porous SiO2 via sol–gel method. Finally, porous SiO2/ZnO/Cu2O composites were obtained. Through the characterization of the phase and structure of the composites, it can be found that nano-ZnO/Cu2O is physically embedded in the porous SiO2 skeleton and fully combined with the porous SiO2. Finally, porous SiO2/ZnO/Cu2O composites were successfully synthesized. The phase and structure of the composites were thoroughly characterized, revealing that nano-ZnO/Cu2O was physically embedded within the porous SiO2 framework and exhibits excellent integration with the porous SiO2 matrix. Compared to single-component nano-ZnO/Cu2O, the composite exhibits significantly enhanced specific surface area and improved pore properties, thereby leading to an enhancement in photocatalytic performance. Furthermore, the antibacterial performance test of the composites clearly demonstrates a remarkable 100% antibacterial rate. Porous SiO2/ZnO/Cu2O composites offer a novel avenue for enhancing the antibacterial properties of ZnO and Cu2O.