Charge transport modulation in photoreduction-derived metal–polymer/oxide hybrid interfaces for bifunctional performance

The study focused on developing porous ZnO nanosheets through a low-temperature hydrothermal method, followed by spin-coating with PANI and adjusting the photoreduction time to create Ag-particle-decorated ZPA composites. The objective was to examine how modulation of the interfacial structure influences both photoelectrochemical and antibacterial performance. As an n-type semiconductor, ZnO encounters challenges such as surface carrier recombination and photocorrosion. However, the introduction of PANI facilitates the formation of a p–n heterojunction, which effectively promotes the separation of charge carriers. Additionally, PANI enhances the absorption of visible light and improves conductivity, thereby increasing interfacial transport efficiency. Controlled photoreduction generates silver particles that form Schottky contacts with the ZnO/PANI composite, further enhancing visible light absorption, electron trapping, and carrier transport. The ZnO/PANI/Ag composite exhibits significant antibacterial activity against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, thereby achieving robust photoelectrochemical performance alongside effective antibacterial functionality. This study underscores the importance of interfacial engineering in the development of multifunctional photoelectronic materials for antibacterial applications.