Preparation and mechanism of MoO3–CeO2 antibacterial composites with two-dimensional nanosheets

Bacterial infections pose a significant challenge to human life and health safety. However, the advent of two-dimensional (2D) Nanomaterials has opened new avenues for combating these pathogens. Herein, we prepare molybdenum (Mo)-doped CeO 2 composites via a hydro-thermal method. Physico-chemical properties of the composites are analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy (XPS). We observe that the morphology of the composites significantly changes with decreasing Mo content, with a gradual transition from the initial spherical shape (20 % M–C) to lamellar nano-flower (1 % M–C). Sharp, pointed edges of these structures are demonstrated to exert a significant damaging effect on bacteria. Results of EDS , XRD and XPS confirm the successful preparation of the material. Mechanical damage sterilisation is identified to be the primary antibacterial mechanism of the 1 % M–C composite material, as evidenced by masking-agent experiments, which correlates with the material's SEM results as well. The 1 % M–C composite demonstrates a sustained antibacterial effect throughout the 10-day water treatment cycle experiment, indicating that the 1 % M–C composite material has a promising potential for application in water treatment.