Designing novel MgFe2O4 coupled V2O5 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 MgFe₂O₄-V₂O₅ enhanced the photocatalytic degradation of tetracycline. Here, the photocatalyst was synthesized by sonochemical technique. Scanning electron microscopy image indicates the coupling of MgFe₂O₄ nanocapsules on the surface of the V₂O₅ nanorod. The bandgap of MgFe₂O₄ (1.8 eV) and V₂O₅ (2.5 eV) was shifted to 2.32 eV in MgFe₂O₄-V₂O₅ 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 MgFe₂O₄-V₂O₅ (150 mg/L) that exhibited 3.3 and 5 folds enhanced rates than its counterparts (MgFe₂O₄ and V₂O₅) 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 MgFe₂O₄-V₂O₅ showed excellent recycling ability and reusability. The key photo-degradation of tetracycline was occurred by the generation of hydroxyl radicals. The MgFe₂O₄-V₂O₅ exhibited high antibacterial activity that ensures the dual functionality of the prepared nanocomposites (NCs). Therefore, the present study displays MgFe₂O₄ decorated V₂O₅ nanorod as an ideal candidate for environmental remediation.