LAUSR

Abstract VS4/Ag2WO4 nanocomposites (NCs) were synthesized successfully through facile co-precipitation and ultra-sonic assisted methods. VS4/Ag2WO4 NCs was characterized by EDAX, UV–vis DRS, HR-TEM, XPS, XRD, PL, FT-IR, and BET surface area analyzer. The TEM image declares that VS4/Ag2WO4 NCs are spherical shape with clear facets and narrow size distribution. The elemental composition (V, S, Ag, W and O) of as-prepared NCs was confirmed using EDX. FT-IR study established the loading and incorporation of Ag2WO4 over VS4. XRD results proved the polycrystalline nature of the prepared NCs and orthorhombic phase of Ag2WO4. The degradation rate constant for MB by VS4/Ag2WO4 was 0.0124 min−1 where it is 3.64 and 1.44 times higher than Ag2WO4 (0.0038 min−1) and VS4 (0.0086 min−1) respectively. The pseudo-first order kinetics was agreed well with degradation process. The photocatalytic mechanism was elucidated based on the scavengers and it was found that generation of •OH by VS4/Ag2WO4 under visible light irradiation played the major role. The reusability and photostability were tested by performing consecutive 6 cycles where it retained the same degradation efficiency and crystal structure as same as first. The NCs possessed high antimicrobial activity against gram positive B. subtilis and gram negative E. coli. The information provided by these results confirms the great potential of NCs as a highly efficient photocatalyst for the removal of pollutants from water and as an excellent antimicrobial agent.