Nano-TiO2@Ag/PVC film with enhanced antibacterial activities and photocatalytic properties

The antibacterial and photocatalytic PVC film was prepared by doping heteronanostructure of TiO2 nanowire@Ag nanoparticles. TiO2 nanowire with 50–60 nm in diameter and 0.1 mm in length was prepared by a hydrothermal method, and Ag nanopartical about 5–10 nm in diameter was grafted on the surface of TiO2 nanowire evenly in the solution. The antimicrobial ability and the photocatalytic properties of the nano-TiO2@Ag/PVC film were systematically investigated by changing the influence factors such as the content of nano-TiO2@Ag, pH value and the cultivation condition. It confirmed that the nano-TiO2@Ag nanostructure could increase the antibacterial efficiency of the PVC film. Further, nano-TiO2@Ag/PVC film also showed enhanced photocatalytic activity to decompose Rhodmine B (RhB).