Constructed p-2D/n-2D BiOCl/BiVO₄ Nanoheterostructure for Photocatalytic Antibacterial Activity

Abstract

Degradation of harmful organic pollutants using semiconductor materials has been represented as one of the energetic solution for wastewater treatment. A novel visible light photocatalyst of BiOCl/BiVO4 (BCl-BV) with a p-n heterojunction structure catalyst were synthesized using a simple hydrothermal method. Specifically, 1 g of BiOCl (BCL) powder was added to 100 mL of DW, followed by using drop casting of Bi(NO3)3 and Na2VO4 at various concentrations (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 mM). The structural and physical properties of synthesized materials are investigated by X-Ray Diffraction, FESEM measurement, EDS analysis and UV-Visible spectroscopy. Under visible-light irradiation, the photocatalytic activity of of synthesized materials were evaluated for the degradation of rhodamine (RhB), methylene orange (MO), and methylene blue (MB) concentrations. In comparison to pure BiOCl and BiVO4, the heterojunction significantly improved photodegradation efficiency for rhodamine (RhB), methylene orange (MO), and methylene blue (MB) under visible-light irradiation (> 400 nm). This is attributed to the B type heterojunction structure with a strong oxidative ability and efficient charge separation and transfer across the BiOCl/BiVO4 interface. Finally, the antibacterial activity of BiOCl, BiVO4,, and BiOCl/BiVO4 heterojunction was improved and reveal the strong interaction of BiVO4 and heterojunction BiOCl/BiVO4 with the bacterial membrane and higher generation of ROS through strong oxides like activity.

Facile Hydrothermal Synthesis of BiVO4/MWCNTs Nanocomposites and Their Influences on the Biofilm Formation of Multidrug Resistance Streptococcus mutans and Proteus mirabilis

“…These newly discovered materials have a rapid role in inhibiting bacteria development and help in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the healthcare system. , However, most metal binary oxides suffer from limited response to visible light due to their large band gap ( E g > 3 eV), such as TiO 2 and ZnO. Other studies are exploring new narrow-band-gap semiconductors, such as bismuth-based semiconductors, because they are chemically stable and nontoxic and exhibit visible light photocatalytic properties. − Among the semiconductor photocatalysts, bismuth vanadate BiVO 4 has received a great deal of research interest due to its distinct physical and chemical features, including its ability to degrade substances and pathogens in water treatment, its role as an antimicrobial agent, and its nontoxicity for cells in biomedical applications. − The narrow band gap (2.4 eV) and suitable band positions of BiVO 4 make it an excellent photocatalyst under sunlight. − Various methods have been used to synthesize BiVO 4 , such as sol–gel, precipitation, and microwave synthesis. − In recent years, the hydrothermal method has been widely used to create bismuth complexes due to its moderate preparation conditions, such as a relatively low temperature, short reaction time, controllable pH, and other factors. Furthermore, the hydrothermal method allows for easy control of parameters that affect photocatalyst performance, such as crystal structure, morphology, and band gap .…”

“… 10 − 13 The narrow band gap (2.4 eV) and suitable band positions of BiVO 4 make it an excellent photocatalyst under sunlight. 14 − 19 Various methods have been used to synthesize BiVO 4 , such as sol–gel, precipitation, and microwave synthesis. 20 − 22 In recent years, the hydrothermal method has been widely used to create bismuth complexes due to its moderate preparation conditions, such as a relatively low temperature, short reaction time, controllable pH, and other factors.…”