Ag-BaMoO₄: Er³⁺/Yb³⁺ photocatalyst for antibacterial application

Silver loaded and Er³⁺/Yb³⁺ doped BaMoO₄ octahedron microcrystals were fabricated by microwave hydrothermal process. The synthesized samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and Ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflection spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS). The antibacterial application of samples were investigated by visible light irradiation and disk-diffusion method towards representative Gram-negative pathogen (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and Gram-positive pathogen (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus). The complete inactivation of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureus were observed by Ag-BaMoO₄: Er³⁺/Yb³⁺ photocatalyst within 1h, 4h, and 5h, respectively, under visible light irradiation. The high killing percentage and superior zone of inhibition revealed the excellent antibacterial performance. The FESEM images were used to visualize the morphology with the extent of damage in the phospholipid layer present in the cell membrane of bacteria. The synergistic effect of loaded silver particles and doped Er³⁺/Yb³⁺ ions in BaMoO₄ contributed for efficient antibacterial performance in visible light as well as in the dark. The excellent antibacterial performance of Ag-BaMoO₄: Er³⁺/Yb³⁺ photocatalyst makes the material suitable for smart weapon for multidrug-resistant microorganisms and disinfectants in biomedical application.