Synergistic Enhancement for Photocatalytic and Antibacterial Properties of Vanadium Pentoxide (V2O5) Nanocomposite Supported on Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

Abstract

Vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅) supported on multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) was successfully synthesized to enhance its photocatalytic and antibacterial activities. The synergistic interaction between MWCNT and V₂O₅ led to a significant improvement in performance, particularly in the degradation of pollutants under visible light. The V₂O₅/MWCNT photocatalyst demonstrated remarkable efficacy, effectively removing 98% of Methylene Blue (MB) within 120 min. By assessing the photocatalyst’s performance over four successive recycling cycles, we evaluated its stability and sustainability, finding no significant losses in photoactivity. Characterization results, including XRD analysis, confirmed the material’s phase stability. Additionally, both V₂O₅ and the V₂O₅/MWCNT composite were evaluated for their antibacterial properties against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli) by measuring the zone of inhibition (8±0.4 mm and 9±0.2 mm). The results indicate that the V₂O₅/MWCNT nanocomposite substantially enhances both photocatalytic and antibacterial properties. This multifunctional material represents a significant advancement in the field, offering a dual-action solution that combines effective pollutant degradation with robust antimicrobial properties, making it a promising candidate for applications in combating antimicrobial resistance and in water treatment.