The present disclosure provides biocidal metal particles, and methods for production thereof. The method of producing the biocidal materials includes thermally spraying, into a collection system, a feed material having a metal mixture having from about 2% to about 96 wt. % Cu, about 2 to about 96 wt. % Zn, and about 1 to about 40 wt. % Ni, under conditions to give particles with a size in a range from about 1 to about 50 microns. The metal particles are collected and are characterized in that they have an amorphous solid structure and exhibit enhanced biocidal properties.