Novel exfoliated graphitic-C3N4 hybridised ZnBi2O4 (g-C3N4/ZnBi2O4) nanorods for catalytic reduction of 4-Nitrophenol and its antibacterial activity

[Display omitted] •Exfoliated g-C3N4 spiked ZnBi2O4 porous nanorods were synthesized by simple hydrothermal method.•CTAB capping promotes homogenous nucleation to form flakes to porous rod like morphology.•High adsorption due to the enhanced production of superoxide radicals at the g-C3N4/ ZnBi2O4 heterogeneous interface.•Efficient detoxification of aromatic pollutant and inactivation of bacteria at ambient conditions. Metal-free Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanoparticle was synthesized by an ultrasound-assisted chemical exfoliation method and g-C3N4/ZnBi2O4 nanorods were prepared by the cost-effective hydrothermal technique. As-synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using XRD, FESEM, HRTEM, EDX, UV, PL, BET and XPS. The photocatalytic activity of the g-C3N4/ZnBi2O4 nanocomposite was investigated by treating 4-Nitrophenol at different pH conditions and maximum reduction of 79 % was observed under visible light irradiation. Antibacterial activity of the g-C3N4/ZnBi2O4 nanoparticles were evaluated by disk diffusion method against E.coli and S.aures. The g-C3N4/ZnBi2O4 nanocomposite showed better antibacterial activity towards G− E.coli. With the effect of ZnBi2O4 doping on to the g-C3N4 host structure, the photocatalytic and antimicrobial efficiency has been enhanced.