Magnetically recoverable Pd-loaded BiFeO3 microcomposite with enhanced visible light photocatalytic performance for pollutant, bacterial and fungal elimination

Herein, magnetically recoverable coral-like Pd-loaded BiFeO3 microcomposites were successfully synthesized using a two-steps hydrothermal technique. The structural, magnetic, optical and textural characteristics of the microcomposite were analyzed by numerous characterization techniques. The Pd nanoparticles loaded on the coral-like BiFeO3 surfaces were quasi-sphere shape with sizes of 15-25 nm. The photodegradation of malachite green dye and phenol were assessed under exposure of visible light to evaluate the catalytic ability of the microcomposite. The findings indicated that Pd-BFO microcomposite exhibited the higher photoactivity than that of pure BFO or commercial TiO2. The enhanced photoactivity was accredited to appropriate Pd content that could improve the light absorbance in the visible region and efficiently improved the photogenerated charge carriers separation/migration abilities as confirmed by the UV-vis diffuse reflectance, photoelectrochemical and photoluminescence analyses. The intermediates formed during the phenol degradation were also detected. The cyclic test showed that the Pd-BFO microcomposite has excellent recyclable ability together with a minimal leakage of palladium ions after six runs. Based on the radical trapping test, hydroxyl radicals, hole and hydrogen peroxide were the chief reactive species contributing to the photodegradation. Furthermore, for the first time, antimicrobial activity towards Escherichia coil, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus faecalis and Aspergillus niger were explored, and the consequence revealed that the Pd-BFO microcomposite presented exceptional antimicrobial properties.