Synthesis of anatase Se/Te-TiO₂ nanorods with dominant {100} facets: Photocatalytic and antibacterial activity induced by visible light

A facile method for the preparation of Te- and Se/Te-doped anatase TiO ₂ nanorods (NRs) with exposed {100} facets, which provides high photocatalytic and antibacterial activity under irradiation with visible light, is developed. Sodium titanate nanotubes are formed from commercial TiO ₂ nanoparticles (P25) in NaOH through a hydrothermal reaction. The as-prepared Na-titanate nanotubes are then used to form Te-TiO₂ nanotubes in the presence of tellurite (TeO₃^2-) ions and NaBH₄. Upon further hydrothermal reaction, the Te-TiO₂ nanotubes are transformed to form Te-TiO₂ NRs that further form Se_n/Te-TiO₂ NRs through a reduction of selenite (SeO ₃^2-) ions with NaBH₄. The Te-TiO₂ NRs and Se_n/Te-TiO₂ NRs have highly active {100} facets and thus provide the photocatalytic activities for the generation of ×OH at 2.5 and 4.5 times higher than that of commercial P25, respectively. The Te-TiO₂ and Se_n/Te-TiO₂ NRs exhibit higher antibacterial activities against E. coli and S. aureus than P25 when activated by visible light. These stable and biocompatible Te-TiO₂ and Se _n/Te-TiO₂ NRs hold great potential as potent antibacterial agents.