Abstract

In this study, Bi2S3, CuMoO4, and a novel CuMoO4/Bi2S3 nanocomposite were successfully synthesized via a straightforward solvothermal and hydrothermal method. The resulting nanocomposites underwent comprehensive characterization utilizing XRD, FTIR, XPS, TEM, and UV-vis DRS techniques to elucidate their structural, chemical, morphological, and optical properties. Furthermore, the photocatalytic performance of Bi2S3, CuMoO4, and the CuMoO4/Bi2S3 nanocomposite was evaluated through the degradation of Indigo carmine dye (IC) under solar light irradiation. Remarkably, the CuMoO4/Bi2S3 nanocomposite displayed significantly enhanced photocatalytic efficiency compared to individual Bi2S3 and CuMoO4 counterparts. The CuMoO4/Bi2S3 heterojunction reduces electron-hole (e--h+) recombination and enhances visible light absorption, significantly improving photocatalytic degradation. Under solar light, CuMoO4/Bi2S3 achieves 98% degradation efficiency, surpassing Bi2S3 (46%) and CuMoO4 (53%). The investigation into photodegradation kinetics revealed adherence to the pseudo-first-order model, with the CuMoO4/Bi2S3 nanocomposite demonstrating a larger rate constant than Bi2S3 and CuMoO4, affirming its superior photocatalytic activity. Additionally, the photostability of the CuMoO4/Bi2S3 nanocomposite was explored, and a plausible photocatalytic mechanism was proposed. The antibacterial activity was tested against Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) and Escherichia coli (E.coli). The findings suggest promising ways for employing these composite materials in various environmental remediation and energy conversion applications.