Bifunctionalized novel Co-V MMO nanowires: Intrinsic oxidase and peroxidase like catalytic activities for antibacterial application

The development of effective and low-cost enzyme-like nanomaterials for killing bacteria is essential for human health and environmental protection. We report the synthesis of novel Co-V mixed metal oxide (MMO) nanowires composited of CO3V2O8 uniform dispersing among Co3O4 by calcining Co-6(CO3)(2)(OH)(8)center dot H2O@Co3V2O8 nanowires in air. Co-V MMO nanowires can possess intrinsic oxidase-like and peroxidase-like catalytic activity. When the Co/V molar ratio is 3 and the calcination temperature is 400 degrees C, Co-V MMOs have superior activity. Utilizing this unique bifunctional activity, an antibacterial system combining Co-V MMOs with a low level of H2O2 has been put forward. The activity originates from their ability to catalyze the generation of O-2(center dot-), which hydrolyze to (HO2)-O-center dot. Thus, the intracellular reactive oxygen species level can be enhanced and toxicity of high level H2O2 can be avoided. This work would be indicative to construct Co-V MMO5 in the application of new energy and environmental catalysis.