Well-dispersed Ag3VO4 nanoparticles @polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers were synthesized by an easily controlled, template-free method as a photo-catalyst for the degradation of methylene blue. Their structural, optical, and photocatalytic properties have been studied by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy equipped with rapid energy dispersive analysis of X-ray, photoluminescence, and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. The characterization procedures revealed that the obtained material is PAN nanofibers decorated by Ag3VO4 nanoparticles. Photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue investigated in an aqueous solution under irradiation showed 99% degradation of the dye within 75 min. Finally, the antibacterial performance of Ag3VO4 nanoparticles @PAN composite nanofibers was experimentally verified by the destruction of Escherichia coli. These results suggest that the developed inexpensive and functional nanomaterials can serve as a non-precious catalyst for environmental applications.

• Prem Singh Saud(Department of BIN Convergence Technology, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Korea. Department of Chemistry (Affiliated to Tribhuvan University), Kailali Multiple Campus, Dhangadhi, 10900 Nepal)
• Zafar Khan Ghouri(Department of BIN Convergence Technology, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Korea)
• Bishweshwar Pant(Department of BIN Convergence Technology, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Korea)
• Taehee An(Department of BIN Convergence Technology, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Korea)
• Joong Hee Lee(Department of BIN Convergence Technology, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Korea)
• Mira Park(Department of Organic Materials and Fiber Egineering, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Korea) Corresponding Author
• Hak-Yong Kim(Department of BIN Convergence Technology, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Korea. Department of Organic Materials and Fiber Egineering, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Korea) Corresponding Author