Bactericidal efficiency and photochemical mechanisms of micro/nano bubble–enhanced visible light photocatalytic water disinfection

• Micro/nanobubbles (MNB) promote the photocatalytic disinfection of microbial spores. H 2 O and •OH are primary active species responsible for spore inactivation. MNB induced light scattering significantly increases bactericidal efficiency. Sustainable supply from MNBs can accelerate hole oxidation catalyst. triggered interfacial photoelectric effect plays a key role in enhancement. Microbial contamination water form highly-resistant bacterial spores cause long-term risk waterborne disease. Advanced photocatalysis has become an effective approach to inactivate due its potential efficient solar energy conversion alongside reduced formation by-products. However, overall efficiency process still requires significant improvements. Here, we proposed evaluated novel visible technology by close coupling with micro/nano bubbles (MNBs). The inactivation rate constant Bacillus subtilis reached 1.28 h −1 , which was 5.6 times higher than that observed treatment without MNBs. superior performance progressive destruction spores’ cells during confirmed transmission electron microscopy ( TEM) excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectra determination. Experiments using scavengers reactive oxygen (ROSs) revealed were air helped on photocatalyst (i.e. Ag/TiO ). In addition, also contribute Specifically, strong scattering, consequently increasing optical path length medium 54.8% at 700nm enhancing adsorption photocatalyst. non-uniformities dielectricity led high-degree heterogeneity electric field, region enhanced intensity ultimately promoted reaction. Overall, this study provided new insights mechanisms coupled advanced treatment.