Fabrication of spherical porous pAg2O-nWO3/Ag/GNS heterostructure with enhanced photocatalytic activity through plasmonic S-scheme mechanism and its complementing biological interest

The synthesis and characterization of Ag2OWO3/Ag/GNS heterostructure with desired modifications has been elucidated in the contemporary study. The fabrication involves a simple hydrothermal method for the configuration of fascinating heterostructures intended to photo-catalytically degrade Eosin Yellow (EY) dye. The toxic dye molecules were converted into non-toxic molecular intermediates, also the elimination of heavy metals from industrial wastewater, being trapped in the pores of heterostructure. The pn junction photocatalyst with plasmonic resonance of Ag for abolition of electron and hole coupling, enhances the photo-response where the catalyst abides S-Scheme mechanism. The work functions of active photocatalysts as calculated for Ag2O is 6.61eV and WO3 is 6.04eV. Furthermore, the Ag2OWO3/Ag/GNS photocatalysts recovery and reuse in several trials without any noticeable loss of photocatalytic activity, complimented the recyclability of the heterostructure. To ensure the safety of the environment on heterostructure being released, toxicity analysis were carried out. These Ag2OWO3/Ag/GNS heterostructures had optimistic result on cytotoxicity assay, and on Musmusculus skin melanoma cells (B16–F10), with anti-microbial/fungal properties. Thereby, the contemporary experiment upholds efficient photocatalysis and ropes multiple errands on biological applications. [Display omitted] •The porous heterostructure providing large surface area, active sites and oxygen vacancies is influential for being photocatalytic against dye. Also aides in trapping heavy metals having excellent biocompatibility is a pioneer report.•Photocatalytic activity is predominantly between Ag2O and WO3, where both are charge carrier acting as oxidation and reduction catalysts. Whereas, GNS as a medium of charge transmission that increases conductivity, with fermi level being an important factor.•Furthermore, the photocatalytic activity in Ag active site is boosted by Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR).