Photo-oxidizing silicon nanowire particles for visible-light disinfection

Overview

This solution leverages engineered silicon nanowire particles containing multiple p-n junctions that produce more than 10 volts of photovoltage under visible and near-infrared illumination. When suspended in water and exposed to light, these particles generate powerful oxidizing and reducing potentials capable of producing reactive oxygen species and directly disrupting microbial cell membranes or virus capsids. The technology offers a light-activated, chemical-free approach to disinfection with potential applications in water treatment, surface sanitization, and pathogen control.

Technical specifications

Key features:

• Multijunction silicon nanowire architecture producing greater than 10 V photovoltage under simulated solar illumination
• Particles suspendable in aqueous solution and functionalizable with catalysts
• Photoelectrochemically active under red to near-infrared wavelengths (approximately 600 to 900 nm)
• Dual disinfection mechanism through reactive oxygen species generation and direct membrane or capsid disruption

How it works:

The engineered p-n junctions within each silicon nanowire create internal voltage amplification under illumination. When photons are absorbed, the resulting photovoltage drives electrochemical reactions at the particle surface, generating reactive oxygen species such as hydroxyl radicals and singlet oxygen. Simultaneously, the high oxidative and reductive potentials can directly compromise the structural integrity of bacterial membranes and viral capsids, leading to pathogen inactivation.

Technology readiness level

The particles have been synthesized and electrically characterized, confirming their ability to produce high voltages under visible and near-infrared light. They have also been suspended in water and demonstrated photoelectrochemical activity. However, the technology has not yet been tested in a microbial environment, and disinfectant efficacy remains to be validated. Current readiness is at the laboratory validation stage, with initial work focused on confirming reactive oxygen species production and subsequent testing against microbial targets. The research team is actively seeking collaboration on microbial testing protocols and evaluation methodologies to advance toward practical disinfection applications.