A compound of ZnO/PDMS with photocatalytic, self-cleaning and antibacterial properties prepared via two-step method.

[Display omitted] • ZnO/PDMS was successfully synthesized via a two-step method and the influence of process parameters was studied in detail. • ZnO/PDMS possessed excellent photocatalytic and superhydrophobic properties. • The synergistic effect of the photocatalytic and superhydrophobic properties enhanced the antibacterial performance against E. coli. The combination of photocatalysis and superhydrophobic has attracted much attention because of its great prospect. In this work, ZnO/PDMS composites were synthesized by electrodeposition-grafting modification method. The effects of process parameters on the structure and properties of the composite structures were studied, and the composite structures were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction technique (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), UV-visible spectroscopy and contact angle measurement. The results showed that the samples obtained under the optimal conditions have superhydrophobic property and remained excellent photocatalytic performance. In the self-cleaning experiment, the simulated pollutants can be effectively removed from the surface. Compared with ZnO, ZnO/PDMS possessed better resistance to Escherichia coli, which was due to the synergistic antibacterial mechanism of photocatalytic activity and superhydrophobic interaction. Furthermore, we also discussed the mechanism in detail. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]