Constructing Bi2MoO6/ZnO composite with Z-scheme charge dynamics for solar photodegradation of enrofloxacin and antibacterial trait

Multifunctional catalyst surfaces for organic photodegradation and antibacterial applications are generally in high requirements, but they are facing towering challenges in light harnessing capability and charge transfer. In this work, a plate-like Bi2MoO6 loaded onto prism-like ZnO (BZ) composite was devised via a two-step precipitation-solvothermal technique to surmount above lapses. Comprehensive material characterization using XRD, FESEM, TEM, XPS, FTIR, UV–vis DRS, PL and photoelectrochemical measurements witnessed successful material compounding and crucial structural as well as distinct electrochemical traits. When fed with enrofloxacin (ENR) as a targeted aquaculture pollutant, the BZ composite exhibited high photodegradation activity (98.2%) under solar light, which was 1.4 and 2.6 times those of individual Bi2MoO6 and ZnO after 180 min solar irradiation, respectively. Moreover, the BZ composite efficiently realized photocatalytic inactivation of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus under solar light irradiation. The bacterial colony completely inactivated after introducing the binary composite within 180 min. The remarkable enhancement was due to both incorporation of abundant site Bi2MoO6 and the formation of BZ Z-scheme system which better improved light capturing behaviour and afforded the effective charge segregation for the incremented reactive oxygen species yield (e.g. superoxide anion radical and photogenerated hole). Additionally, LC-MS and T.E.S.T outcomes further validated the efficient ENR photodegradation and a substantial reduction in the toxicity of intermediate products. The relatively convenient repeatability trait and eminent photoactivity performance of BZ were favorable for actual wastewater treatment and bacterial disinfection applications. © 2026 Elsevier B.V.