Photocatalytic activity of TiO2-Carbon nanocomposite films against Culex pipiens mosquito larvae under sunlight irradiation

Recent research has focused on developing eco-friendly nanomaterials to combat mosquito infestations. This study demonstrates the enhancement of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles through the addition of carbon nanoparticles (C-NPs), significantly boosting their photocatalytic efficiency. This en...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Materials Today Sustainability Vol. 28; p. 100945
Main Authors:	Mo'men, Shaimaa A.A., Qahtan, Talal F., Alansi, Amani M., Alanazi, Abdulaziz A., Alfuhaid, Nawal A., Salah, Dina, Yousery, Ayat
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Elsevier Ltd 01-12-2024
Subjects:	Carbon nanoparticles Mosquito larvae Nanocomposite films Photocatalytic activity Sunlight irradiation TiO2 nanoparticles Photocatalytic activity Carbon nanoparticles TiO2 nanoparticles Sunlight irradiation Mosquito larvae Nanocomposite films
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Summary:	Recent research has focused on developing eco-friendly nanomaterials to combat mosquito infestations. This study demonstrates the enhancement of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles through the addition of carbon nanoparticles (C-NPs), significantly boosting their photocatalytic efficiency. This enhancement allows TiO2 to purify water and act as an effective pesticide. Formulated TiO2-carbon (TiO2–C) nanocomposite films showed increased photocatalytic activity against third-instar larvae of Culex pipiens under natural sunlight. The addition of C-NPs improved sunlight absorption and reduced electron-hole recombination rates compared to pristine TiO2 (P–TiO2), making it more effective for mosquito control. The superior performance of the TiO2–C nanocomposite was confirmed through X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectra (UV–vis DRS), and Photoluminescence emission (PL). These analyses confirmed successful carbon incorporation, expanding the absorption spectrum and enhancing optical properties. The UV–vis DRS spectra showed a decrease in the bandgap energy (Eg) of P–TiO2 from 3.2 eV to 3.1 eV, improving its photocatalytic effectiveness under natural sunlight. Bioactivity tests, including catalase activity, reduced glutathione (GSH) colorimetric assay, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) assay, along with microscopic and histological examinations of treated larvae, indicated that the TiO2–C nanocomposite effectively reduces the mosquito population and causes significant physiological damage and abnormalities in larval structures and midgut cells. These findings highlight the enhanced photocatalytic capabilities of the TiO2–C nanocomposite, making it a novel and effective solution for mosquito control with significant public health and environmental benefits. [Display omitted] •Carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) enhance TiO2, boosting photocatalytic activity against Culex pipiens larvae.•TiO2–C nanocomposite improves sunlight absorption and reduces recombination rates compared to pristine TiO2.•Enhanced photocatalytic efficacy of TiO2–C demonstrated through catalase, GSH, and SOD assays.•Microscopic and histological studies reveal significant larval damage from TiO2–C treatment.•TiO2–C nanocomposites provide a sustainable, effective solution for mosquito control.
ISSN:	2589-2347 2589-2347
DOI:	10.1016/j.mtsust.2024.100945