Enhanced antibacterial performance of hybrid semiconductor nanomaterials: ZnO/SnO2 nanocomposite thin films

► Preparation of ZnO/SnO2 hybrid nanostructure films with a sustainable photocatalytic antibacterial activity compared with single component semiconductors. ► Chemical composition critically influences the improved antibacterial performance of hybrids. ► Bacterial growth inhibition observed under dark conditions, indicating undetermined mechanisms additional to photocatalytic ROS production for toxicity.