Synergistic photocatalytic dye mitigation and bacterial disinfection using carbon quantum dots decorated dual Z-scheme Manganese Indium Sulfide/Cuprous Oxide/Silver oxide heterojunction

A novel CQDs decorated MnIn2S4/Cu2O/Ag2O dual Z-scheme tandem hybrid is fabricated via hydrothermal method for MO removal and E. coli disinfection under visible light illumination. CQDs shuttle electrons in CQDs-MnIn2S4/Cu2O/Ag2O interface via dual Z-scheme electron transferal route which lead to upgrade in charge separation and visible light absorption. The Z-scheme hybrid displayed best catalytic inactivation performance of E. coli and degradation of MO which totally disinfect bacteria within 3 h and displayed 98.6% of MO degradation in 70 min in visible light radiation. The unique dual Z-scheme junction supports enhanced redox capabilities, prolong lifespan of photo-excitons, stability, spatial separation and enhanced visible light absorption.