MoO3 nanostructures from EGCG assisted sonochemical route: Evaluation of its application towards forensic and photocatalysis

Abstract

Molybdenum trioxide (MoO3) nanostructures (NS) were prepared via facile Epigallocatechin gallate mediated sonochemical route. Morphological evolution was studied by varying EGCG concentration, ultrasound irradiation time, sonication power, pH and calcination temperature showed the hexagonal and flakes type of NS. h- MoO3 and α-MoO3 phases of the compounds were confirmed through powder X-ray diffraction and the nanoscale crystallite sizes were confirmed through TEM analysis supported with EDS analysis for the composition purity. Chemical bondsand the energy gaps were analyzed by FTIR and DRS methods respectively. DRS with Munk function confirm that the prepared compounds are wide band gap semiconducting materials. Electrode of electrochemical setup was modified by coating with h-MoO3 nanorods and studied the analytical quantification of dopamine shows the insensitiveness of MoO3 towards electrochemical reactions in the selected potential window confirms its use as an ideal electrochemical interface. Use of h-MoO3 NS powder as a dusting agent in fingerprint applications showed the enhanced level of visualization of fingerprints helps in powder dusting application to effective recognition of the individuals at crime scene. Pure h-MoO3 micro-rods and pure α-MoO3 showed good photochromic behavior under sunlight irradiation. Nontoxic MoO3 superstructures can prevent the growth of various harmful microorganisms and provides a long-lasting antibacterial effect for inanimate surfaces used in public and healthcare environments.