Curcumin stabilized Bi2S3@Ce2S3 nanoflowers: An efficient photocatalyst against harmful bacteria and toxic cationic dyes in aqueous medium

Designing nanomaterials with controlled sizes is crucial for effective water pollution remediation. In this study, curcumin-stabilized CBi 2 S 3 @Ce 2 S 3 NFs nanoflowers (NFs) were synthesized via an ultrasonication-assisted hydrothermal method using Bi 2 S 3 NPs, and Ce 2 S 3 nanoflakes. Structural and compositional analyses were performed using SEM, TEM, XRD, EDX, IR, XPS, and TGA, confirming the formation and stabilization of NFs. The photocatalytic activity of the NFs was assessed through the degradation of Methylene Blue (MB), Malachite Green (MG), and Rhodamine B (RhB), showing respective efficiencies of 90 %, 88 %, and 44 % in 120 minutes. In a ternary dye mixture, the degradation efficiencies were found 64.1 % (MB), 63.4 % (MG), and 28.1 % (RhB). The NFs also demonstrated antimicrobial activity against various bacterial strains and Candida albicans. Phytotoxicity studies on green gram sprouts revealed the NFs were non-toxic up to 15 mg/20 mL over 22 days. • Curcumin-stabilized Bi₂S₃@Ce₂S₃ NFs were synthesized. • Nanoflowers were prepared using a combination of CBi₂S₃ NPs and CCe₂S₃ Nfs units. • CBi₂S₃@Ce₂S₃ NFs successfully degraded toxic dyes Methylene blue, Malachite green and Rhodamine B. • Antimicrobial Activity tested against S. aureus, B. subtilis, E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and Candida albicans. • CBi₂S₃@Ce₂S₃ NFs were found to be non-toxic on green gram plants growth.