Directionally Designed Double Z‐Scheme Heterojunction: BiOBr and Carbon Dots‐Reduced TiO <sub>2−x</sub> for Targeted Photocarriers Separation in Photocatalytic Sterilization

TiO<sub>2</sub> photocatalysis holds promise for sterilization but faces limitations in rapid charge recombination, UV-restricted activity, and pathogen electrostatic repulsion. Herein, a directionally designed double direct Z-scheme BiOBr@CDs-TiO<sub>2-</sub> <sub>x</sub> heterojunction is constructed, in which defective BiOBr microspheres core with dominant (110) facets exhibiting photochromism via hole trapping is synergistically integrated with carbon dots (CDs)-modified TiO<sub>2-</sub> <sub>x</sub> shell. Amine-functionalized CDs simultaneously reduce and dope TiO<sub>2-</sub> <sub>x</sub>, thereby generating oxygen vacancies and enhancing positive surface charges. By leveraging BiOBr's hole-trapping affinity and CDs' electron-transmitting capability, BiOBr@CDs-TiO<sub>2-</sub> <sub>x</sub> achieves spatial charge separation via a double Z-scheme mechanism. This system eradicates 99.9% of Escherichia coli (5 × 10<sup>8</sup> CFU mL<sup>-1</sup>), Staphylococcus aureus (2 × 10<sup>8</sup> CFU mL<sup>-1</sup>), and Candida albicans (1 × 10<sup>8</sup> CFU mL<sup>-1</sup>) in 1 h, concomitantly achieving biofilm clearance and pollutant degradation under visible light. The work pioneers CDs' novel application in constructing oxygen vacancies of TiO<sub>2-</sub> <sub>x</sub> and establishes a carrier-affinity-driven paradigm for directional heterojunction design.

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Publication Details

Journal
Small
Published
2025-08-11
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/smll.202505905
Citations
4
Primary Topic
Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
1.45
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article

Directionally Designed Double Z‐Scheme Heterojunction: BiOBr and Carbon Dots‐Reduced TiO 2−x for Targeted Photocarriers Separation in Photocatalytic Sterilization

Shuyuan Zhou, Lei Wang, Xiaoying Wang, Junqin You et al.
4 citations
Small
Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques
1.45
article

Directionally Designed Double Z‐Scheme Heterojunction: BiOBr and Carbon Dots‐Reduced TiO 2−x for Targeted Photocarriers Separation in Photocatalytic Sterilization

Shuyuan Zhou, Lei Wang, Xiaoying Wang, Junqin You, Shurui Cong
article en
4 citations

Abstract

TiO<sub>2</sub> photocatalysis holds promise for sterilization but faces limitations in rapid charge recombination, UV-restricted activity, and pathogen electrostatic repulsion. Herein, a directionally designed double direct Z-scheme BiOBr@CDs-TiO<sub>2-</sub> <sub>x</sub> heterojunction is constructed, in which defective BiOBr microspheres core with dominant (110) facets exhibiting photochromism via hole trapping is synergistically integrated with carbon dots (CDs)-modified TiO<sub>2-</sub> <sub>x</sub> shell. Amine-functionalized CDs simultaneously reduce and dope TiO<sub>2-</sub> <sub>x</sub>, thereby generating oxygen vacancies and enhancing positive surface charges. By leveraging BiOBr's hole-trapping affinity and CDs' electron-transmitting capability, BiOBr@CDs-TiO<sub>2-</sub> <sub>x</sub> achieves spatial charge separation via a double Z-scheme mechanism. This system eradicates 99.9% of Escherichia coli (5 × 10<sup>8</sup> CFU mL<sup>-1</sup>), Staphylococcus aureus (2 × 10<sup>8</sup> CFU mL<sup>-1</sup>), and Candida albicans (1 × 10<sup>8</sup> CFU mL<sup>-1</sup>) in 1 h, concomitantly achieving biofilm clearance and pollutant degradation under visible light. The work pioneers CDs' novel application in constructing oxygen vacancies of TiO<sub>2-</sub> <sub>x</sub> and establishes a carrier-affinity-driven paradigm for directional heterojunction design.

SmallVol. 21(37)
National Institute for Radiological Protection (CN), South China University of Technology (CN)
Openalex Percentile: Top 18%
Advanced Photocatalysis Techniques
1.45
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Directionally Designed Double Z‐Scheme Heterojunction: BiOBr and Carbon Dots‐Reduced TiO <sub>2−x</sub> for Targeted Photocarriers Separation in Photocatalytic Sterilization — Shuyuan Zhou, Lei Wang, et al. · Small (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS