Performance analysis of novel Bi6Cr2O15 coupled Co3O4 nano-heterostructure constructed by ultrasonic assisted method: Visible-light driven photocatalyst and antibacterial agent

The unreported Bi6Cr2O15-Co3O4 nano-photocatalyst was prepared via facile sono-chemical route for the fabrication of a binary heterojunction. HRTEM analysis represents the spherical and rod-like morphology of Bi6Cr2O15-Co3O4. UV-vis DRS showed bandgap shift from 1.95 eV (Bi6Cr2O15) and 2.67 eV (Co3O4) to 2.25 eV for Bi6Cr2O15-Co3O4 with visible-light sensitization. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) confirmed the chemical states (Co2p, Cr2p, Bi4f and O1s). The dye degradation efficiency of Bi6Cr2O15-Co3O4 was highly boosted up to 3.8-8.8 times and the kinetic rate constant was 0.0062 min-1 compared with pristine counter parts (Bi6Cr2O15 = 0.0016 min-1; Co3O4 = 0.0007 min-1). The remarkably enhanced photocatalytic activity was ascribed to its higher specific surface area (27.118 m2/g) and the existence of a synergic effect between pristine counter parts that resulted in suitable bandgap and reduced recombination of e-/h+ pairs. The Bi2CrO6-Co3O4 showed only negligible reduction in degradation performance after six recycles showing its excellent stability and resistance to photo-corrosion. The Greek ano teleiaOH and h+ were the key species involved in dye degradation. The Bi6Cr2O15-Co3O4 exhibited excellent antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. Therefore, Bi6Cr2O15 decorated Co3O4 nano-photocatalyst can be used as an effective candidate for environmental remediation through photocatalysis and for bactericidal applications.

Automated summary

A unreported Bi6Cr2O15-Co3O4 nano-photocatalyst was synthesized, showing significantly enhanced dye degradation efficiency and antimicrobial activity. The synergic effect between the pristine counterparts contributed to the improved photocatalytic performance and stability of the catalyst. This novel catalyst has potential applications in environmental remediation and bactericidal processes.