Fabrication of carbon quantum dots/1D MoO3-x hybrid junction with enhanced LED light efficiency in photocatalytic inactivation of E. coli and S. aureus

Novel carbon quantum dots/1D MoO3-x hybrid junction (noted as CQDs/MoO3-x) was obtained by a facile hydrothermal route. The CQDs/MoO3-x photocatalyst was estimated as an effective photocatalyst for inactivating E. coli and S. aureus under LED light. Compared with pure MoO3 and MoO3-x, CQDs/MoO3-x photocatalyst displayed better performance in inactivating E. coli and S. aureus. The results of UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectrum (UV–vis DRS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electrochemical impedance spectrum (EIS) indicated the enhanced photoactivity is ascribed to: (1) MoO3-x has good absorption property of visible light; (2) the 1D structure of MoO3-x prolongs the lifetime of photo-excited charge carriers; (3) CQDs modifying 1D MoO3-x is not only favorable for absorption of visible light, but also for the fast transport and surface separation of the charge carriers. The capture experiment showed that holes (h+) are main active species in the photocatalytic process. This work presents an efficient photocatalyst for water antibacterial treatment.