In this work, the mechanism of chlorine dioxide's (ClO2) interaction with aerogel surfaces is described for the first time. To determine the mechanism, three types of aerogels (namely, silica, titania, and zirconia composites) were synthesized and characterized using N2 sorption isotherm analysis, X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The kinetics of the ClO2 interaction mechanism was investigated via ClO2-controlled sorption and desorption at different temperatures. The process was studied through the theoretical calculation of ClO2 interaction with the aerogel surface. The biocide efficiency of the as-synthesized ClO2-loaded aerogels on different bacteria strains was investigated, and efficient microorganism extermination was demonstrated. This system is a disinfectant that can find potential applications in various fields.
Keywords: ClO2 sorption; SiO2 aerogel; TiO2 aerogel; ZrO2 aerogel; antibacterial activity; controlled release; theoretical calculation.