Photocatalysis is a highly promising technology that harnesses sunlight to inactivate pathogenic microorganisms and mitigate threats to human health. This presentation highlights a series of Ag single-atom photocatalysts and systematically introduces their construction, disinfection performance, and underlying mechanisms across multiple application scenarios. Using a space-confinement–assisted photochemical reduction strategy, Ag atoms were anchored onto metal–organic frameworks (ZIF-8-NH2) or graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), enabling efficient charge separation and robust reactive oxygen species generation. Synergistic integration with silver nanoparticles or ClO2 further enhanced disinfection efficiency, addressing key limitations of conventional disinfection methods, including low efficiency, poor recoverability, and incomplete inactivation.

Building on these Ag single-atom photocatalysts, we explored practical applications across diverse settings. For droplet and aerosol pathogen control, a non-woven fabric coated with Ag1/ZIF achieved rapid inactivation under low-intensity sunlight—99.98% of E. coli, 99.56% of S. aureus, and over 99.99% of MS2 virus within just 5 minutes. For water disinfection in off-grid regions, a floatable monolithic photocatalyst combining Ag single atoms and Ag nanoparticles achieved over 6.0-log (99.9999%) inactivation of stress-resistant E. coli in oligotrophic surface water within 30 minutes. For the highly resistant spores of Aspergillus niger, the Ag1/CN composite exhibited strong synergistic disinfection with ClO2 by disrupting the protective spore layers.

From respiratory protection to water purification, and from emergency response to routine environmental governance, Ag single-atom photocatalysts offer efficient, sustainable, and versatile technological support for environmental pollution control and public health protection, demonstrating broad and impactful application potential.