Hybrid tio2-polydopamine photocatalytic coating for visible-light disinfection
A sprayable hybrid coating combining titanium dioxide nanoparticles with polydopamine biopolymer for efficient photocatalytic disinfection under visible light. The material can be applied to virtually any surface and removed after use, offering a low-cost solution for consumer and industrial antimicrobial applications.
Overview
This solution is a hybrid photocatalytic material designed for surface disinfection using visible light. By combining titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles with polydopamine, a mussel-inspired biopolymer, the coating overcomes key limitations of conventional TiO2 photocatalysts. The polydopamine component acts as a photosensitizer that extends light absorption into the visible range, while also improving adhesion to surfaces and enhancing biosafety. The resulting hybrid can be sprayed onto a wide variety of surfaces including fabrics, and can be removed after disinfection if desired. Both TiO2 and polydopamine are low-cost materials, making the technology well-suited for consumer products and large-scale applications.
Technical specifications
- Core composition: Titanium dioxide nanoparticles combined with polydopamine biopolymer in an aqueous formulation
- Mechanism: Polydopamine serves as a photosensitizer that enhances visible-light absorption, enabling efficient generation of electron-hole pairs in TiO2 with strong redox power to inactivate pathogens
- Application method: Sprayable liquid coating applicable to diverse surfaces including textiles and fabrics
- Removability: Designed to be removable from surfaces after disinfection is complete
- Adhesion: Polydopamine coating improves adhesion of TiO2 to target surfaces
- Biosafety: Polydopamine layer contributes to improved biocompatibility and biosafety
- Cost profile: Low material cost due to inexpensive TiO2 and polydopamine inputs
Technology readiness level
The underlying components have been individually validated. The research team has previously demonstrated that a polydopamine-graphene oxide hybrid can be generated, sprayed onto surfaces including fabrics, and exhibits good photothermal and antimicrobial properties. The photocatalytic disinfection capability of bare TiO2 is well-established in prior literature. The current proposal seeks to combine these validated elements into a new TiO2-polydopamine hybrid system. Planned validation steps include optimizing the concentration and ratio of the hybrid formulation for spraying, characterizing the material using optical spectroscopy, FTIR, and electron microscopy, tuning photocatalytic activity by varying active material loading, wavelength, and light intensity, and evaluating antimicrobial performance using standard testing methods.
About The University of Akron
The University of Akron is a mid-sized public research university in Akron, Ohio, known for an applied, industry-facing culture grounded in materials and manufacturing. Industry engagement centers on polymer and materials facilities with shared instrumentation, pilot-scale processing, and analytical testing accessible to corporate collaborators. An established engineering co-op program and proximity to Northeast Ohio’s tire and polymers cluster provide steady talent pipelines and avenues for joint problem‑solving. Faculty secure competitive federal funding from agencies such as the National Science Foundation and the Department of Energy, supplemented by state and industry support. A dedicated technology transfer office supports IP strategy, licensing, and startup formation.
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