Introduction
In a time of growing environmental and public health challenges, the demand for innovative, sustainable materials has never been greater. This study introduces a sustainable approach to engineering multifunctional materials. By leveraging green chemistry principles, we developed silver–titanium dioxide (Ag–TiO₂) composites designed to address environmental and microbial challenges. By combining advanced materials science with environmentally conscious processes, our work advances clean water and antimicrobial solutions through a single, sustainable pathway.
The method relies on a low-energy, scalable synthesis process that replaces conventional chemical treatments with an eco-friendly approach, highlighting how green chemistry can create powerful tools for both environmental remediation and public health protection.
Nanomaterials for Water and Health Sustainability
Silver and titanium dioxide are widely recognized for their individual benefits—TiO₂ for its ability to break down pollutants using light, and Ag for its strong antimicrobial properties. When combined into a single nanocomposite, their performance is significantly enhanced. Our Ag–TiO₂ materials respond to both UV and visible light, enabling them to degrade organic contaminants like industrial dyes and simultaneously act as effective antibacterial agents.
These features are especially valuable for addressing the needs of communities facing both water pollution and poor sanitation infrastructure. The composite provides a multifunctional solution that is lightweight, reusable, and highly effective across multiple environmental and health scenarios. In particular, silver improves TiO₂’s photocatalytic efficiency under sunlight by promoting better light absorption and reducing electron-hole recombination—key factors that allow it to harness a broader spectrum of solar energy. In lab tests, the Ag–TiO₂ composite degraded nearly twice as much pollutant under visible light as pure TiO₂, showing real promise for solar-driven water purification systems.
A Cleaner Synthesis for Cleaner Solutions
To maintain a fully sustainable profile, we employed a novel electrodeposition technique using deep eutectic solvents (DESs)—a green alternative to traditional chemical baths. These biodegradable and non-toxic liquids replace harsh solvents typically used in nanomaterial production. Paired with a pulsed reverse current (PRC) method, this approach allows for precise control of silver particle size and distribution. This improves both efficiency and safety. The technique also enabled us to tailor the material’s photocatalytic and antibacterial properties. At the same time, we maintained a low environmental impact.
The combined use of deep eutectic solvents (DESs) and PRC enhanced efficiency. It also demonstrated the feasibility of scalable, solvent-safe production routes for advanced materials. With this pulse plating solution, we achieved uniform deposition of Ag on TiO₂. Importantly, we avoided using toxic or expensive precursors. This marks a key step toward greener, high-performance nanomaterials. Our previous studies Rosoiu et al. 2021 and Rosoiu et al. 2024 have demonstrated that combining DES with pulse plating approaches the morphology, composition and overall the material performance is enhanced.
From Lab Innovation to Practical Impact
The Ag–TiO₂ composites were tested in the degradation of dye pollutants used in the textile industry. Specifically, methyl orange (MO) under various light conditions and for the inhibition of bacteria commonly found in contaminated environments. The results were promising: enhanced photocatalytic activity and improved antibacterial effects, even at low light intensities and minimal silver content. The composite degraded over 90% of the dye under UV light and more than 60% under visible light—significantly outperforming pure TiO₂. Reusability tests confirmed the material’s stability, with only minor declines in performance after repeated use. Designed with scalability in mind, this synthesis method uses low-cost equipment and widely available materials.
A Circular Chemistry Approach
This work demonstrates how material innovation can fit within circular economy principles. By targeting pollution and bacterial contamination—two issues that often result in resource loss and public health costs—this composite contributes to a regenerative approach to environmental protection.
By merging green chemistry, advanced nanomaterials, and practical engineering, our Ag–TiO₂ composites offer a tangible step toward a cleaner, safer, and more equitable future—where water purification and antimicrobial defense go hand in hand.
Author Bio
Dr. Sabrina STATE is a lecturer at the Faculty of Medical Engineering, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest (UNSTPB), and a researcher at the National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies (IMT Bucharest). She holds both BSc and MSc degrees in Chemistry with honours from the University of Zaragoza and obtained her PhD with Summa cum laude at UNSTPB, as part of the prestigious ITN-Marie Curie network mCBEEs. She has authored and co-authored more than 22 peer-reviewed research papers and has actively participated in numerous national and international scientific conferences. Additionally, she has engaged in extensive international collaboration through research stays at leading institutions such as TU Delft (Netherlands), Jönköping University (Sweden), and TU Ilmenau (Germany). These collaborations have further enriched her expertise in interdisciplinary approaches and cutting-edge methodologies in nanotechnology and biomedical applications.
Original Article:
I.-C. Petcu, R. Negrea, A.T.S.C. Brandão, C. Romanitan, O. Brincoveanu, N. Djourelov, I. Mihalache, L.M. Veca, G. Isopencu, C.M. Pereira, L. Anicai, C. Busuioc, S.S. (Rosoiu), Pulsed reverse electrochemical synthesis of Ag-TiO2 composites from deep eutectic solvents: Photocatalytic and antibacterial behaviour, Applied Surface Science Advances 27 (2025) 100749. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsadv.2025.100749 , IF= 7.5
