Bifunctionalized novel Co-V MMO nanowires: Intrinsic oxidase and peroxidase like catalytic activities for antibacterial application

Abstract

The development of effective and low-cost enzyme-like nanomaterials for killing bacteria is essential for human health and environmental protection. We report the synthesis of novel Co-V mixed metal oxide (MMO) nanowires composited of Co3V2O8 uniform dispersing among Co3O4 by calcining Co6(CO3)2(OH)8·H2O@Co3V2O8 nanowires in air. Co-V MMO nanowires can possess intrinsic oxidase-like and peroxidase-like catalytic activity. When the Co/V molar ratio is 3 and the calcination temperature is 400 °C, Co-V MMOs have superior activity. Utilizing this unique bifunctional activity, an antibacterial system combining Co-V MMOs with a low level of H2O2 has been put forward. The activity originates from their ability to catalyze the generation of O2―, which hydrolyze to HO2. Thus, the intracellular reactive oxygen species level can be enhanced and toxicity of high level H2O2 can be avoided. This work would be indicative to construct Co-V MMOs in the application of new energy and environmental catalysis.