Abstract
The binary heterojunction MnFe2O4–Co3O4 nano-photocatalyst (NCs) was constructed by sonochemical technique. HRTEM image indicates the attachment of MnFe2O4 nanorods on Co3O4 nanostructures. UV–vis DRS showed a shift in bandgap of MnFe2O4 (1.8 eV) and Co3O4 (2.86 eV) to 2.47 eV for MnFe2O4–Co3O4 that facilitate enhanced visible light harvesting. The efficiency of MB dye degradation by MnFe2O4–Co3O4 (kinetic rate constant 0.0033 min−1) was boosted 3.66 times than MnFe2O4 (0.0009 min−1) and 4.7 times than Co3O4 (0.0007 min−1). The boosted photocatalytic performance of prepared NCs was supported by the high surface area of NCs (66.067 m2/g). The MnFe2O4–Co3O4 poses excellent recycling ability and photo-corrosive resistance and it was verified with recycled XRD and photocatalytic performance. The ·OH and h+ played major role in degradation of MB dye. The MnFe2O4–Co3O4 showed high antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. Hence, the NCs could serve as an effective candidate for photocatalytic applications including pollutant degradation and bactericidal applications.