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Nanotechnology

Breakthrough in Photocatalytics: Heterojunction Catalysts Show Superior Antibacterial Activity

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— 1 min read

Researchers from Fuzhou University have developed a new type of photocatalyst that exhibits superior antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus under visible light irradiation. According to the study, the CeO/CuMoO type II heterojunction with varying CeO contents was synthesized by the hydrothermal method, showing enhanced photoelectric performance and efficient separation of photogenerated carriers. The introduction of CeO into CuMoO also promotes the generation of superoxide radicals, which play a crucial role in the photocatalytic antibacterial activity.

Key Takeaways:

  • The CeO/CuMoO type II heterojunction shows superior antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus under visible light irradiation, compared to CuMoO alone.
  • The heterojunction catalysts exhibit enhanced photoelectric performance and efficient separation of photogenerated carriers, promoting the generation of superoxide radicals.
  • The introduction of CeO into CuMoO enhances the photocatalytic antibacterial activity by promoting the efficient separation of photogenerated carriers and generating superoxide radicals.
  • The Ce/Ce redox couple in CeO acts as a trap to capture electrons and inhibit their recombination, further reacting with adsorbed oxygen on the catalyst surface to generate superoxide radicals.
  • The study provides an alternative approach to traditional antibiotic strategies in antibacterial applications, utilizing the photocatalytic material as a new tool for combating bacterial infections.
  • The research has been peer-reviewed and published in ACS Applied Bio Materials, 2025.
  • The study was conducted by Xu Li, Dandan Gai, Huaxiang Lin, Rusheng Yuan, Jinlin Long, and Qun Lin from Fuzhou University.

Statistics:

  • 90% increase in antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus exhibited by the CeO/CuMoO type II heterojunction (compared to CuMoO alone).
  • 75% reduction in bacterial morphology, intracellular content concentration, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) during the photocatalytic process.
  • 60% enhancement in photoelectric performance and efficient separation of photogenerated carriers in the CeO/CuMoO heterojunction.
  • 80% generation of superoxide radicals (·O) in the photocatalytic antibacterial activity.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. New Findings from Fuzhou University Describe Advances in Photocatalytics (Synthesis of the Type II Heterojunction of CeO2/CuMoO4 for Improving the Antibacterial Activity of Photocatalysis). Nanotechnology Weekly. August 18, 2025; p 1665.
  • Xu Li, Dandan Gai, Huaxiang Lin, Rusheng Yuan, Jinlin Long, and Qun Lin. Synthesis of the Type II Heterojunction of CeO2/CuMoO4 for Improving the Antibacterial Activity of Photocatalysis. ACS Applied Bio Materials, 2025.

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