TiO2 nanotube/CdS hybrid electrodes: extraordinary enhancement in the inactivation of Escherichia coli.

Titanium dioxide nanotubes offer distinct advantages over films of the same material in the production of hydroxyl radicals and subsequent inactivation of Escherichia coli in wastewater. However, their visible light absorption capabilities are limited. Semiconducting nanocrystals of cadmium sulfide have been used to increase the sensitivity of TiO(2) nanotubes to visible light. A small applied potential, using CdS-coated TiO(2) nanotube arrays, allowed for total inactivation of E. coli in hitherto record short time.