Field enhanced photocatalytic inactivation of Escherichia coli using immobilized titanium dioxide nanotube arrays

A batch reactor device utilizing photocatalysis and a flow reactor combining photocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis were developed for bacterial disinfection in lab-synthesized and natural waters. The batch reactor provided a 90% decrease in initial concentration (~1 x 103 CFU/mL) after 60 minutes when subjected to incident light at 100 mW/cm2 and continuous mixing via aeration. A combination of photocatalysis and photoelectrocatalysis in the flow reactor provided complete inactivation of contaminated waters with flow rates of 50 mL/min. Both devices consisted of immobilized titanium dioxide nanotube arrays as the catalyzing medium. The flow reactor used an applied bias of up to 6 V without noticeable water splitting. Light intensity, applied voltage, and background electrolytes and concentration were all found to impact the device performance. Complete inactivation of E. coli W3110 (800 CFU/mL) occurred in 15 seconds in the flow reactor irradiated at 25 mW/cm2 with an applied voltage of 4 V in a 100 ppm NaCl solution. Disinfection in natural water was inhibited by the presence of inorganic ions and other constituents that are commonly found in natural water. To simulate natural scenarios in which a point-of-use device might be employed, testing was conducted in a natural environment using source water from Emigration Creek in Salt Lake City, Utah. A higher voltage of 6 V was required to reach 100% inactivation in natural surface water. The nanotube flow through disinfection chamber shows promise as a personal point-of use device for E. coli inactivation.