Nanotechnology
Zeena R. Rhoomi; Duha S. Ahmed; Majid S. Jabir; Anjan Kumar
Abstract
Bismuth tungstate (Bi2WO6) is an aurivillius oxide with potential as a visible light-active photocatalyst. However, its wide band gap limits absorption of visible light. Decoration with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) has been shown to enhance photocatalytic properties. This study reports the ...
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Bismuth tungstate (Bi2WO6) is an aurivillius oxide with potential as a visible light-active photocatalyst. However, its wide band gap limits absorption of visible light. Decoration with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) has been shown to enhance photocatalytic properties. This study reports the hydrothermal synthesis of pure Bi2WO6 and Bi2WO6-MWCNT nanocomposites using a 1:2.5 molar ratio of Bi2WO6:MWCNTs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis were used to characterize the morphology, chemical bonding, and composition. Adding MWCNTs reduced particle size, increased surface area, and prevented aggregation. Antibacterial testing showed the Bi2WO6-MWCNT nanocomposite inhibited Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a multidrug-resistant bacterium, more effectively than pure Bi2WO6. Investigation of morphology and bonding revealed the influence of decorated and embedded MWCNTs on bismuth components and particle size. Enhanced antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity of the nanocomposite may be due to increased oxidative stress from reactive oxygen species generation. This facile hydrothermal method synthesizes a Bi2WO6-MWCNT nanocomposite combining the properties of both materials, showing promise for biomedical applications.
