Surface coated fluorescent carbon nanoparticles/TiO2 as visible-light sensitive photocatalytic complexes for antifouling activity

Surface protection of TiO2 photocatalysts by coating with fluorescent carbon nanoparticles (NPs) is a key factor in the photocatalyst design because it enhances the absorption of photons and promotes the decomposition of organic pollutants on various substrates. We report a synthesis of carbonized fluorescent particles by the acidic dehydration of catechol-q-poly (dimethyl aminoethyl methacrylate) (CA-PDMA) that improve the photocatalytic activity of TiO2 under visible light irradiation. The carbonized fluorescent NPs (CA-FNPs) were efficiently combined with TiO2 through the reduction of intact catechol moieties (CA-FNPs/TiO2). This approach enhances the utilization of visible light in photocatalytic activity and suggests a new fluorescent coating platform. The coordination between carbonized CA-FNPs and TiO2 was confirmed by the time-dependent studies of methylene blue degradation under ultraviolet (UV) and visible light irradiation. Moreover, HeLa cell detachments from the CA-FNPs/TiO2-coated surface verify its antifouling properties in the presence of visible light. Protection of visible light-responsive photocatalysts from bio-fouling can thus enhance their efficiency and photocatalytic abilities as compared with traditional photocatalytic systems.