Sonocatalytical Nanoparticles with Persistent Action after Ceasing Ultrasound for Water Disinfection

Efficient water contaminant removal is critical for ecological and environmental sustainability. Developing energy-efficient, cost-effective catalysts compatible with existing water treatment systems is essential. This study introduces NdYVO4:Eu3+ nanoparticles as promising sonocatalysts, capable of generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) during ultrasound (US) exposure and maintaining persistent ROS activity for up to 12 h postexposure. These nanoparticles effectively degraded methylene orange and rhodamine B and demonstrated significant antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The findings were further validated by using nanoparticle-coated industrial ceramic plates. This work provides an alternative procedure for US-triggered ROS production and suggests that NdYVO4:Eu3+ nanoparticles might be promising in sonocatalytic water treatment.