Rapid Ferroelectric-Photoexcited Bacteria-Killing of Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂/Ti₃C₂T_x Nanofiber Membranes

In this study, an antibacterial nanofiber membrane [polyvinylidene fluoride/Bi₄Ti₃O₁₂/Ti₃C₂T_x (PVDF/BTO/Ti₃C₂T_x)] is fabricated using an electrostatic spinning process, in which the self-assembled BTO/Ti₃C₂T_x heterojunction is incorporated into the PVDF matrix. Benefiting from the internal electric field induced by the spontaneously ferroelectric polarization of BTO, the photoexcited electrons and holes are driven to move in the opposite direction inside BTO, and the electrons are transferred to Ti₃C₂T_x across the Schottky interface. Thus, directed charge separation and transfer are realized through the cooperation of the two components. The recombination of electron–hole pairs is maximumly inhibited, which notably improves the yield of reactive oxygen species by enhancing photocatalytic activity. Furthermore, the nanofiber membrane with an optimal doping ratio exhibits outstanding visible light absorption and photothermal conversion performance. Ultimately, photothermal effect and ferroelectric polarization enhanced photocatalysis endow the nanofiber membrane with the ability to kill 99.61% ± 0.28% Staphylococcus aureus and 99.71% ± 0.16% Escherichia coli under 20 min of light irradiation. This study brings new insights into the design of intelligent antibacterial textiles through a ferroelectric polarization strategy. © 2022, Donghua University, Shanghai, China.