Congregating Ag into γ-Bi2O3 coupled with CoFe2O4 for enhanced visible light photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin, Cr(VI) reduction and genotoxicity studies.

The work attempts to construct a highly effective γ-Bi 2 O 3 /CoFe 2 O 4 /Ag visible active photocatalyst for the enhanced degradation of ciprofloxacin (CIP) and Cr(VI) reduction. γ-Bi 2 O 3 /CoFe 2 O 4 /Ag photocatalyst was prepared by simple solid phase and co-precipitation methods. The nanosphere shaped CoFe 2 O 4 photocatalyst are embedded on top of γ-Bi 2 O 3 nanotriangle. The addition of Ag into γ-Bi 2 O 3 /CoFe 2 O 4 heterojunction primitively facilitates the photocatalytic activity in higher rate. The quantitative analysis of photocatalyst possesses to have lower e−/h+ recombination rate compared to its counterparts. The prepared γ-Bi 2 O 3 /CoFe 2 O 4 /Ag photocatalyst showed 96.6% degradation of CIP in 220 min and 99.2% reduction of Cr(VI) in 120 min. Additionally, γ-Bi 2 O 3 /CoFe 2 O 4 /Ag showed outstanding recyclability and long-term stability with a degradation efficiency of 96.5% even after six cycles. The intermediate products formed were identified and the degradation pathway was elucidated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Total organic carbon measurement was carried over to assess the efficiency of complete degradation and the removal percentage was found to be 98%. The end product toxicity study towards bacteria was proven to have less toxicity level when compared to parent compound. Lastly, the genotoxicity of γ-Bi 2 O 3 /CoFe 2 O 4 /Ag photocatalyst was tested in Allium cepa and the results confirmed to have no cause of toxicity impacts. Overall, the work not only tends to provide a highly visible active γ-Bi 2 O 3 /CoFe 2 O 4 /Ag photocatalyst, but also attributes to have no further negative imprints in the environment. [Display omitted] • γ-Bi 2 O 3 /CoFe 2 O 4 /Ag photocatalyst was fabricated via solid phase and co-precipitation routes. • The particle exhibited enhanced photocatalytic degradation of ciprofloxacin and Cr(VI) reduction. • The degradation pathway of ciprofloxacin was elucidated by GC-MS/MS analysis. • The photocatalyst possess outstanding recyclability and stability. • Genotoxicity result of photocatalyst was determined by using Allium cepa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]