A compound of ZnO/PDMS with photocatalytic, self-cleaning and antibacterial properties prepared via two-step method

The combination of photocatalysis and superhydrophobic has attracted much attention because of its great prospect. In this work, ZnO/PDMS composites were synthesized by electrodeposition-grafting modification method. The effects of process parameters on the structure and properties of the composite structures were studied, and the composite structures were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction technique (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), UV-visible spectroscopy and contact angle measurement. The results showed that the samples obtained under the optimal conditions have superhydrophobic property and remained excellent photocatalytic performance. In the self-cleaning experiment, the simulated pollutants can be effectively removed from the surface. Compared with ZnO, ZnO/PDMS possessed better resistance to Escherichia coli, which was due to the synergistic antibacterial mechanism of photocatalytic activity and superhydrophobic interaction. Furthermore, we also discussed the mechanism in detail.