Hollow porous core–shell ZnFe2O4/AgCl nanocubes coated with EDTA and Ag nanoparticles for enhanced photocatalytic performances of visible–light–driven

Abstract The hollow porous core–shell ZnFe2O4/AgCl@EDTA–Ag composites with high antibacterial efficiency and cyclic stability are facilely synthesized and used as visible–light triggered antibacterial agent for Escherichia coli bacteria. The hollow porous cores not only improve the reflection and scattering of visible–light, but also facilitate the transfer rate of photogenerated electrons. Moreover, carbon layer further enhances the conductivity and mechanical strength of cores, as well as accelerates electron transfer during photocatalytic antibacterial process. The as–prepared hollow porous core–shell ZnFe2O4/AgCl@EDTA–Ag composites possess excellent antibacterial properties and stability, delivering a high antibacterial rate of 89.64% under visible–light irradiation after 25 min and a decent recovery rate of 76.33% after 10 cycles. In addition, the antibacterial reaction rate constant is 0.09078 min-1. These values are among the higher reported for ZnFe2O4–based materials with different morphologies and nanostructures. The resultant hollow porous core–shell ZnFe2O4/AgCl@EDTA–Ag composites display the potential practical application for medical disinfection.