Fabrication of visible-light-sensitive photocatalysts that reduce disease risk indoors

Abstract

We designed and fabricated novel TiO₂-based visible-light-sensitive photocatalysts, in which Fe（III）or Cu（II）species were grafted on a TiO₂ surface. These showed high photocatalytic activity under indoor light conditions, demonstrating air-cleaning, antiviral, and self-cleaning effects. Recently, we evaluated the antibacterial and antiviral activities of these materials in an airport terminal and hospital, where the risks of infection are high, and confirmed that the novel visible-light-sensitive photocatalysts are effective against bacteria in actual indoor environments.