Abstract
The binary heterojunction of MgFe2O4-Co3O4 nano-photocatalyst was constructed by sonochemical method. HRTEM represented the attachment of MgFe2O4 and Co3O4. UV–vis DRS reveals the bandgap shift (MgFe2O4 = 1.75 eV; Co3O4 = 2.35 eV) to 2.09 eV for MgFe2O4-Co3O4 that promoted white light harvesting. XPS and EDAX were performed to confirm the presence of Mg, Fe, Co and O. FTIR analysis indicates the tetrahedral and octahedral oxygen-metal peaks. The dye degradation rate of MgFe2O4-Co3O4 was boosted 7 and 11 times than MgFe2O4 and Co3O4 respectively. The MgFe2O4-Co3O4 showed excellent recycling stability and reusability. The particles found to be highly active under visible light irradiation and ·OH showed major contribution in dye degradation. The MgFe2O4-Co3O4 greatly affected the growth of Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis that proved its excellent antibacterial property. Therefore, MgFe2O4 decorated Co3O4 can be considered as a useful tool for multiple applications including environmental remediation by photocatalysis and as antibacterial agents.
Schematic representation of photocatalytic mechanism of MgFe2O4-Co3O4. [Display omitted]
•Nano-spinel MgFe2O4 decorated Co3O4 was prepared by sono-chemical assisted method.•The photocatalytic efficiency of MgFe2O4-Co3O4 was enhanced 11 times than Co3O4.•The ·OH radical plays key role in dye degradation.•MgFe2O4-Co3O4 exhibited excellent antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis.