Effective heterointerface combination of 1D/2D Co-NiS/S-g-C₃N₄ heterojunction for boosting spatial charge separation with enhanced photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants and disinfection of pathogens

The restricted visible light captivation and unwanted prompt recombination of photoinduced carriers remarkably hinder the activity of photocatalysts for the removal of organic pollutants. In this study, a new type heterojunction 1D/2D photocatalyst based on cobalt doped NiS nanorods (NRs) S-g-C₃N₄ nanosheets (NSs) was effectively fabricated by self-assembly technique, and its photocatalytic performance for methylene blue (MB) degradation and antibacterial activity under visible light were explored. The quick electron transport of S-g-C₃N₄ NSs and the compatible energy band positions of S-g-C₃N₄ and 4% Co-NiS NRs synergistic accelerate the separation and transmission of e^- and h⁺ pairs across the Co-NiS/S-g-C₃N₄ heterointerface. The as-constructed heterostructures were assessed by cutting-edge analytical techniques such as SEM, XRD, EDX, FTIR, TEM, UV–vis, XPS, PL, transient photocurrent and BET. Additionally, this rational design enriches visible-light absorption and demonstrates a high BET surface area. Advantaging from the combing effect of 1D and 2D nanostructures, the 25% Co-NiS/S-g-C₃N₄ heterostructures achieve a significant photocatalytic MB removal rate of 98%, substantially enriched than that of undoped NiS NRs (32%), 4% Co-NiS NRs (55%) and S-g-C₃N₄ (29%). Simultaneously, the inherent photo-corrosion feature of S-g-C₃N₄ was stifled by concurrent coupling with Co-NiS NRs and modifying with Co, which was proved over a stability assessment with 6 repeated experimental results. Antibacterial activity of 25% 1D/2D Co-NiS/S-g-C₃N₄ nanocomposites (NCs) alongside four bacterial species was explored by irradiation of visible light. Our findings highlight the inordinate distinction of the successful heterointerface coupling of Co-NiS/S-g-C₃N₄ 1D/2D heterojunction as a potential photocatalyst system for boosted photocatalytic removal of MB and decontamination of pathogens.