Toward Photoactive Wallpapers Based on ZnO-Cellulose Nanocomposites

Co-author(s): Naveed Ul Hassan Alvi, Samim Sardar, Magnus Berggren, Isak Engquist, Xavier Crispin

This study presents an efficient method to combine two low-cost materials, cellulose and zinc oxide (ZnO), to create novel functional and “green” materials through paper-making processes. Cellulose, the most abundant and cost-effective organic material from nature, and ZnO, known for its photocatalytic, antibacterial, and UV absorption properties, are utilized. ZnO nanowires are grown directly onto cellulose fibers in water solutions and then dewatered in a process that mimics large-scale papermaking technology. The resulting ZnO NW paper demonstrates excellent photo-conducting properties under simulated sunlight, with good ON/OFF switching and long-term stability (90 minutes). Additionally, it serves as an efficient photocatalyst for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generation, envisioning its use in buildings to enable large surfaces to spontaneously produce H2O2 on their outer surfaces. Such technology promise for fast degradation of microorganisms to suppress the spreading of diseases.