Photocatalytic production of 1O2 and OH mediated by silver oxidation during the photoinactivation of Escherichia coli with TiO2

► Metallic silver enhances the Ag-TiO2 photoinactivation of Escherichia coli under Vis irradiation. ► 1O2 and OH were identified in Vis irradiated Ag-TiO2 suspensions. ► UV oxidized the Ag metallic species in the material decreasing photoactivity. ► Dark contact of the UV oxidized material with E. coli regenerates the photocatalyst.