In-situ Hf/Zr co-doped Fe2O3 nanorod decorated with CuOx/CoOx: Enhanced photocatalytic performance for antibacterial and organic pollutants

Herein, we successfully synthesized Hf/Zr co-doping on Fe2O3 nanorod photocatalyst by a hydrothermal process and quenching methods. The synergistic roles of Hf and Zr double-doping on the bacteria inactivation test and decomposition of organic pollutants were investigated in detail for the 1 wt% CoOx loaded Hf/Zr–Fe2O3 NRs and CuOx/CoOx loaded Hf/Zr–Fe2O3 NRs photocatalyst. Initially, the rod-like porous morphology of the Hf/Zr-doped Fe2O3 NRs was produced via a hydrothermal method at various Hf co-doping (0, 2, 4, 7 and 10)%. Further, CoOx and CuOx loaded by a wet impregnation approach on the Hf/Zr–Fe2O3 NRs and a highly photoactive Hf(4)/Zr–Fe2O3 [CoOx/CuOx] NRs photocatalyst were developed. After the Hf(4)/Zr–Fe2O3 [CoOx/CuOx] NRs photocatalyst treatment, the Bio–TEM imagery of bacterial cells showed extensive morphological deviations in cell membranes. Hf(4)/Zr–Fe2O3 NR achieved 84.1% orange II degradation upon 3 h illumination, which is higher than that of Hf–Fe2O3 and Zr–Fe2O3 (68.7 and 73.5%, respectively). Additionally, the optimum sample, Hf(4)/Zr–Fe2O3 [CoOx/CuOx] photocatalyst, exhibited 95.5% orange II dye degradation after light radiation for 3 h. Optimized Hf(4)/Zr–Fe2O3 [CoOx/CuOx] catalysts exhibited 99.9% and 99.7% inactivation of E. coli and S. aureus with 120 min, respectively. Further, scavenger experiments revealed that the electrons are the primary responsible species for photocatalytic kinetics. This work will provide a rapid method for the development of high photocatalytic performance materials for bacterial disinfection and organic degradation. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd