Fe2WO6 coupling on cube-like SrTiO

The surge of toxic contaminants and harmful microorganisms in aquatic environment have posed irreparable and deplorable impacts to human health and progressively disturbance to ecosystem and environment. Herein, we have successfully devised a novel visible light S-scheme Fe2WO6/SrTiO3 composite using a two-step hydrothermal technique and tested by myriad material characterization methods. An intimate contact and a heterojunction constructed between Fe2WO6 nanoparticles and cube-like SrTiO3 has been verified by microscopic images. The as-synthesized composite exhibited enhanced light absorption and lower charge carrier recombination rate as demonstrated by UV–vis​ absorption spectra and photoelectrochemical data. Under visible light exposure, 20 wt% Fe2WO6/SrTiO3 displayed the best photodegradation of Rhodamine B and the apparent rate constant of which was 1.9 and 2.7 times higher than those of pristine Fe2WO6 and pristine SrTiO3, respectively. The boosted photoactivity of the composite can be attributed to the superior charge carrier segregation efficiency and high redox capabilities resulted from S-scheme heterojunction. A stable photocatalytic performance of Fe2WO6/SrTiO3 was also found after fifth cyclic runs. Moreover, the mineralization efficiency of real printed ink wastewater treatment over Fe2WO6/SrTiO3 was scrutinized by chemical oxygen demand analysis. Excellent antibacterial property of Fe2WO6/SrTiO3 has been confirmed from its destructive action against Escherichia coli and Bacillus​ cereus. Furthermore, the comprehensive photodegradation mechanism was elucidated in detail.