Designing novel MgFeO coupled VO nanorod for synergetic photodegradation of tetracycline with enhanced visible-light energy harvesting: Photoluminescence, kinetics, intrinsic mechanism and bactericidal effect.

The present study focused on the enhancement of degradation of an important pharmaceutical pollutant, tetracycline with the help of nano photocatalyst under visible light irradiation. The study found that the synergetic effect of novel MgFeO-VO enhanced the photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline. Here, the photocatalyst was synthesized by sonochemical technique. Scanning electron microscopy image indicates the coupling of MgFeO nanocapsules on the surface of the VO nanorod. The bandgap of MgFeO (1.8 eV) and VO (2.5 eV) was shifted to 2.32 eV in MgFeO-VO to promote visible-light harvesting and it was depicted by the UV-visible DRS. XPS was used to identify the presence of chemical states with the existence of Mg 1s, Fe 2p, V 2p, and O 1s. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectra indicate the better separation of charge carriers owing to the formation of type II heterojunction formation. The tetracycline (25 mg/L) was degraded with MgFeO-VO (150 mg/L) that exhibited 3.3 and 5 folds enhanced rates than its counterparts (MgFeO and VO) owing to synergism. The possible intermediate formation and degradation pathway was determined based on GC/MS analysis. TOC analysis of end products indicated maximum mineralization of tetracycline. The MgFeO-VO showed excellent recycling ability and reusability. The key photo-degradation of tetracycline was occurred by the generation of hydroxyl radicals. The MgFeO-VO exhibited high antibacterial activity that ensures the dual functionality of the prepared nanocomposites (NCs). Therefore, the present study displays MgFeO decorated VO nanorod as an ideal candidate for environmental remediation.