Integration of Cu-Doped TiO2 Nanoparticles on High Surface UV-Laser-Induced Graphene for Enhanced Photodegradation, De-icing, and Anti-bacterial Surface Applications

Abstract

The increasing demand for versatile graphene-based materials, incorporating semimetal nanoparticles (NPs), is driving contemporary societies towards platforms that harness solar radiation for biocidal activity, de-icing, and photodegradation. This study investigates the photoinduced antibacterial activity, de-icing, and photocatalytic properties of Cu-doped TiO₂/Ultraviolet (UV)-Laser-Induced Graphene (LIG). Cu-doped TiO₂/UV-LIG exhibits considerable promise when subjected to solar radiation, particularly in applications such as de-icing, photodegradation and antibacterial efficacy. Characterized by nanopores and a surface area of 396 m²/g, Cu-doped TiO₂/UV-LIG achieved a noteworthy temperature of 91.7°C under 1 SUN irradiance, thus establishing a significant milestone in the field of LIG. Initially, it demonstrated exceptional phenol degradation efficiency at 86%, and this efficiency remained noteworthy at 83% even after undergoing five cycles of use, thus emphasizing its enduring degradation capacity. Moreover, at 0.5 SUN intensity, it demonstrated remarkable efficacy in eradicating over 99.999% of foodborne pathogens.