Green synthesis of bismuth vanadate nanostructures for efficient photocatalytic and biological studies

In the current investigation, BiVO4 nanoparticles were prepared via a simple combustion approach followed by annealing at 400°C using rain tree pod extract. The physicochemical and morphological features were examined through spectroscopic techniques. Optical studies were carried out using a UV–visible spectrophotometer, revealing a bandgap of 2.4 eV. Photocatalytic efficiency was assessed through degradation studies using methylene blue (MB) dye under visible photon irradiation, demonstrating an impressive 94 % degradation rate. Consequently, this synthesized bismuth vanadate serves as an outstanding photocatalyst under visible irradiation. Furthermore, these nanoparticles exhibited favorable responses in antifungal, antibacterial, and molecular docking studies. Bismuth vanadate nanoparticles had substantial antifungal efficacy, with the Bi2 version successfully suppressing Aspergillus Niger at a 50 % concentration. At 100 mg/ml, Bi2 showed a 6 mm zone of inhibition against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and a 5 mm zone against Gram-negative Escherichia coli for antibacterial evaluation. The protein 7BLY and Bismuth vanadate had four hydrogen bond interactions and a strong binding affinity, as shown by molecular docking, of −5.0 Kcal/mol. Therefore, bismuth vanadate nanoparticles synthesized through green methods show promise in combating fungal and bacterial infections, as well as potential applications in various fields. •Green synthesis of BiVO4 nanoparticles was achieved using rain tree pod extract.•Excellent photocatalytic activity toward methylene blue (94 %) under visible light irradiation.•These nanoparticles also give good responses to the antifungal, antibacterial activities.•The protein 7BLY and Bismuth vanadate had four hydrogen bond interactions and a strong binding affinity, as shown by molecular docking, of −5.0 Kcal/mol.