Low-cost and large mass producible phenolic resin for water disinfection and antibacterial coating under weak visible light LED or sunlight irradiation

Abstract In present study, we for the first time discovered the photocatalytic water disinfection and antibacterial ability of phenolic-formaldehyde (PR) resins irradiated by LED lamp or natural sunlight in various application modes. The novel narrow band-gap, low-cost and large mass easily producible resin photocatalysts exhibit advanced and stable Escherichia coli (E. coli) inactivation performance, which is better than some well-known metal and non-metal based visible light photocatalysts under the identical condition. We have provided a proof-of-concept demonstration of its practical application feasibility for water purification in both immobilized plastic bag and continuous flow-through reactor under weak LED lamp or natural sunlight irradiation. Furthermore, the PR resin coating film exhibits remarkable E. coli deactivation property under weak LED lamp irradiation. This work provides a new approach for developing resin-based products with antibacterial function or solar water purification products for practical use.