High aspect ratio TiO 2 –Mn 3 O 4 heterostructure: proficient nanorods for pathogen inhibition and supercapacitor application

Abstract

Supercapacitors are in great demand owing to necessity of clean and sustainable energy. Alternately, waterborne microbial infections are prime cause of diseases. So, there is demand for synthesis of novel materials with multifunctional adaptability. Herein, heterostructured TiO₂–Mn₃O₄ composite nanorods were synthesised by two-step methods. In first step, TiO₂ nanorods were prepared using electrospinning and by hydrothermal method Mn₃O₄ nanoparticles were attached to TiO₂ surface. The composite heterostructure was described using sophisticated procedures such as X-ray diffraction, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy, Scanning electron and Transmission electron microscopy. Antimicrobial studies were probed against Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus pathogens. The results demonstrated that TiO₂–Mn₃O₄ composite has more heightened antimicrobial activity than pristine TiO₂. Additionally, the synthesised TiO₂–Mn₃O₄ composite was implied as an electrode for supercapacitors. The definite capacitance of TiO₂–Mn₃O₄ nanocomposite calculated at a potential scan rate of 5 mV/s was as amplified as 470 Fg⁻¹.