Environmental remediation and interfacial properties of nanosilver-decorated WO3 nannofibersunder visible light source

The syntheses of multifunctional visible light active photocatalyticnanofibers for toxin decomposition with antimicrobial activity and self-cleaning properties were explored. In particular, a route to fabricate ultrafine antibacterial tungsten oxide-based (WO3) visible light active photocatalyticnanofibers was developed. In so doing, deposition of nanosilver onto electrospun WO3 nanofibers´ surface was done exploiting facile and cost-effective visible or UV light driven photoreduction of silver ion in a precursor solution. From Agar diffusion test, the resulting hybrid nanofibers unveiled their antibacterial characteristics. In addition, the nanofibers were proved effective in environmental remediation by model toxin decomposition in water. Unexpectedly, the nanofibrous layers prepared from these nanofibers showed superhydrophilicity under a visible light source.